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Figure 1
Figure 2
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Erection of the huge dome, easily the most challenging operation in the construction of the Araneta Colosseum, is shown in the pictures on these pages. Figure 1 shows the first sections being joined to the main compression ring. The pression ring is about 121 feet above the arena and supports the lantern roof structure. While construction was in progress, the main compres- sion ring was temporarily supported by a steel scaffolding.
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Figure 2: All 48 ribs and lantern roof rafters are in place. Steel scuf- folding is removed, and placement
Araneta Colosseum Unique in the Far East
RANETA Colosseum. the only dome auditorium of its kind in the Far East and claimed to be the biggest in operation in the world, was inaugurated last March.
The Quezon City colosseum has a diameter of 357 ft. It seats 22.632 for a basketball or tennis game, and at least 18,000 for a symphony concert or a play.
A roof ensures the continuance of a performance regardless of the weather. A dome structure which is supported only at the periphery of its base enables each spectator to look at the arena or a stage without anything to obstruct the view.
The audience also listens un- disturbed to a recital. or watches other presentations in comfort, be cause the colosseum is insulated from outside noise and is complete. ly air-cooled.
Several other appointments place the local colosseum in the category of a
first-class theatre. Into its specially engineered acoustical in- terior the latest stereophonic sound system has been installed. Three giant entrances with twin spiral stairways for each gate lead through spacious circumferential lobbies and wide aisles into four decks of com- fortable seats above those at ring- side.
Aisles and exits have been so arranged as to enable as many as 23.000 spectators to clear the stadium in eight minutes should that be necessary.
of a Wolmanized lumber sheathing for roof is in progress.
Figure 3: Welders work on the last intermediary compression ring. Placement of lumber sheathing for roof has also started.
Figure 4: Aerial view of the colosseum during placing of lumber sheathing for roof. The sheathing required 230,000 board feet of lumber.
Figure 5: The Araneta Colosseum us it was readied for a world cham- pionship boxing contest. Some
35,000 spectators 9,000 more than the comfortable ceiling set by the management witnessed the match.
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The huge dome, easily the most prominent feature of the whole con- struction, is a spherical section with a diameter of 561 feet. It was designed by the Engineering Divi- sion of the Atlantic. Gulf & Pacific Co. of Manila. Inc. while its struc- tural steel components were fabricat ed by the San Juan Shops and erected by the General Contracting Division. Finally. the Wood Preserv ing Division supplied 230.000 board feet of Wolmanized lumber for an aluminium-roofing base to make the dome almost entirely a supply and construction project of A.G. & P.
The base of the dome is a mas sive steel tension ring which con- sists of welded German wide-flange beams each designated as IP 80 with an overall depth of 800 mm. and with flanges 300 mm. wide. This tension ring is bolted to 48 rc. columns each rising 19 metres above the level of the arena floor. From this tension ring 18 steel ribs arch up 63-1-2 feet into a main compres- sion ring on which steel columns rise to support a conical lantern roof. The tension ring absorbs and contains all the horizontal thrust of the ribs and leaves the concrete columns to do no more than support the weight of the dome structure. Seven intermediary compression rings connect 20-foot sections of the ribs.
The idea of building the Araneta Colosseum originated with J. Amado Araneta. well-known sportsman. in- dustrialist and financier. It was conceived as "an integrated show- place where the best of domestic and imported arts. music and other forms of entertainment could be shared by the greatest number of people at the lowest possible cost."
It is located in the heart of a 34- hectare commercial development cen tre and is surrounded by four-lane access roads. Patrons have ample parking space for 3.500 cars and will have most of their needs catered
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