Can you describe a recent double deck extrusion-based exhibit that you designed for a client?
For Skyline South Carolina, we created a 10-by-40 rental deck for InfoComm International in May 2012. It had two staircases and used a combination of aluminum extrusions, steel components and stress-skin deck panels using Baltic birch foam core.
How did the extrusions used play a role in meeting the design specs of the client?
The aluminum extrusions used were appropriate to provide strong but lightweight, aesthetically pleasing structural components such as handrail and staircases.
What were the challenges that came with designing this exhibit?
Meeting current IBC Codes, which required higher beam and deck strengths. The new steel beam we have developed is 5 percent lighter while being over 66 percent stronger than the aluminum beam we were using before despite the traditional assumption that steel is heavier than aluminum for double deck structures.
What custom elements were you able to include in the design by using the adaptability of extrusions?
In order to meet the new stringent IBC codes while also meeting Skyline’s design, cost and set-up needs, we mainly used our new steel structural components rather than aluminum extrusions as steel has more adaptability in all three areas.
