Steel + Vine Tunnel Reinforcement
The Edible Schoolyard requested Mosaic Metals to repair a sculptural tunnel trellis designed and built by others. While beautiful and creative, it was failing structurally due to increased weight of growing vines and climbing kids. Mosaic Metals suggested reinforcing the structure with three trussed space frames made with light, economical 1/2" diameter steel rod. Using a RISA analysis model MM predicted that by adding these, the deflection would lower by under 2". After shoring up the drooping areas with posts and straps, the space frames worked well as analysized.
trellis reinforcement study
Mother's Day Plant Sale at ESY