Expo 2001

Wood rather than concrete

On Swiss national exhibition Expo2001 four large-surface platforms are to be temporarily erected on the Jura lakes. As a alternative to a level steel decking with concrete cover wooden board elements made up of so-called problem ranges (rough knots) have been designed by Prof. Ernst Gehri and his team specially for this purpos. By means of innovative preload techniques, wooden boards can be constructed, which are able to withstand great loads without additional joints and fastening or glue. Local loads up to 2000 kg/m2 are possible so that the total area would be suitable for vehicles. This construction is suitable for temporary purposes as it can be easily dismantled. Wood is environmenally compatible and lasting and is available in sufficient quantities in Switzerland. After use, it bacomes raw material once again: firewood in timber form. The few steel parts are melted down afterwards.