THE PROJECT
The Beatrice Ice Gardens is the home of the York University hockey team. The entire sports complex boasts 6 Olympic sized ice surfaces. The precast mezzanine area facilitates a large restaurant, gymnasium, workout centre and several offices. Beneath the bleachers and mezzanine area are large change rooms, washrooms, and locker areas for players, coaches, referees and spectators. The Beatrice Ice Gardens is one of the largest arena complexes in the Greater Toronto Area.

THE CHALLENGE
Supply and install over 35,300 sq m (38,000 sq f)t of hollow core bleacher seating and mezzanine flooring for a 6 rink sportsplex at York University. Install the precast inside the main steel structure frame of the building. Maneuver, mobilize, and erect all the precast using large hydraulic mobile cranes and tractor trailers carrying the hollow core slabs within the arena without damaging any of the structural steel members.

THE TRIUMPH
The bleacher area/storage rooms were erected in just two working days. The entire main mezzanine was done in just five days. Coordination between precaster, contractor, crane and trucking companies was essential for the overall success of this project. At times the tip of the main crane boom was inches away from the underside of the steel girders above. The mezzanine was done using a "walkout" system where the slab installation is started at one end of the arena, "scoping" 15-20 slabs in place in between crane set ups. The entire precast structure was assembled without any damage to the existing steel structure using a carefully planned system. Precast hollow core slabs are a very important and functional component of this sporting facility.

THE DETAILS
205 mm (8 in) hollow core bleachers, seating/change room roofs 624 sq m (6,719 sq ft)
205 mm (8 in) hollow core main mezzanine 2940 sq m (31,615 sq ft)

Owners: Lauridon Sports Management Inc.
Architect: Jackson Ryder Architects Inc.
General Contractor: PCL Design Constructors Inc.
Engineer: McCavour Engineering Limited
Precast: Coreslab Structures (ONT) Inc.