World’s Most Iconic Sporting Venues Utilize Aluminum to Portray Modern Feel

Sporting complexes must be able to withstand tough weather conditions, hold masses of screaming fans, and, in some cases, be built in a few years span. Aluminum is used in building such structures because its lightweight capabilities lead to greater flexibility while minimizing the expenditure on foundations. It is durable enough to withstand feet of snow falling in Baltimore, Maryland during Ravens games where the stadium packs 70,000 plus fans decked out in black and purple as well as the beating sun’s ultraviolet rays in multiple stadiums used in the 2014 World Cup games hosted by Brazil where fans from across the global gather to show off their patriotism.

After devastation struck in New Orleans, Louisiana, many locals were packed into the Louisiana Superdome as a “shelter of last resort” for thousands of New Orleans residents unable to evacuate in August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. Renovations occurred after to show the world that the city is capable of battling and overcoming any obstacle the world throws at them, on and off the field. The transformation into an ultra-modern stadium was made possible by more than 40,000 square feet of aluminum that was turned into 16,000 bronze-hued anodized aluminum panels which now give the Superdome its iconic structuring.

Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana

Many sporting stadiums have similar stories that go deeper than the material used to build them and here are a few examples.  

Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janerio, Brazil

The Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janerio, Brazil housed 199,854 fans, being the world’s largest stadium by capacity, during the 1950 FIFA World Cup in which Brazil was defeated by Uruguay 2-1. To prepare for the 2014 World Cup, more than 50 metric tons of extruded aluminum was used to refurbish and modernize the stadium. The Maracanã Stadium and Aztec Stadium in Mexico City are the only two venues ever to host two World Cup Finals.

Wembley Stadium in London, England

The Wembley Stadium in London, England seen today is a new structure that opened in 2007 to replace the earlier Wembley Statium that was constructed in 1923. The previous model was sometimes referred to as “The church of football” or more officially known as “the Empire Stadium” where major rugby matches are played such as the FA Cup Final and often the Champions League final where the two best rugby teams in Europe go head-to-head. When the old stadium was renovated in 1963, an aluminum roof was added to give the structure a more modern feel.

FirstEnergy Stadium Fan Section “The Dawg Pound” in Cleveland, Ohio

The FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio is home of the Cleveland Browns. Its renounced fan section, called The Dawg Pound, is where the Browns extremely zealous fan base sits to cheer on their home team. The bleachers are made of aluminum because of its durability and strength. No matter how rowdy the fans get, the bleachers are sure to withstand the wear and tear.

Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico

The Azteca stadium is the most iconic in world football, as well as being both the fifth-largest ground in the world and the largest football pitch on Planet Football. Its dome consists of hyperbolic paraboloids of tubular aluminum covered with waterproof copper-sheathed plywood and supported by huge steel arches to endure tough weather conditions. It has been the place of some of the most memorable international matches in soccer history including the 1970 World Cup final between Brazil and Italy and the 1986 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England.

Shanghai Metal Corporation is proud to offer products that are used in building and construction projects that are used in a variety of venues. Check out our website for a full list of our products and details on our commitment to building value across the globe. Be sure to join the conversation in our LinkedIn Group, Facebook, and Twitter.

By: Kristie K. // SMC Editor

Sources: The Aluminum Association and Bleacher Report

Aluminum Ensures Smooth Sailing at Sea

Whether it is a leisurely Sunday afternoon fishing trip to the river, an excursion around the world by sea, or shipping containers full of vital materials from one country to the next, aluminum has shown to be a first-choice option for construction of vessels used in the boating and marine industry. No matter the activity, may it be for recreational or professional use, safety is always made priority and aluminum is trusted by captains across the industry.

Yachts constructed from aluminum are able to withstand areas of rough seas without worrying about hazardous materials, in the water that go undetected, puncturing their vessel.

Its lightweight compound, durability, resistance to stress, and rigidity lead to better performance, low cost of ownership and most importantly higher security. Aluminum’s superior strength to weight ratio allows for building stronger and stiffer boats while keeping them light for performance. When compared to steel, it has been proven that aluminum hull boasts about 29 percent dent resistance and 12.5 percent greater resistance to puncture due to the ductile nature of the aluminum. That means that in the case of sudden impact, aluminum based boats will not rupture, making it a safer option than other materials. In addition, aluminum does not burn nor does it support combustion. Fire resistance is the second element of safety at sea after resistance to puncture.

Volvo Ocean Rate 2014-2015 Route set to start in September.

When it comes to water sports, the need for speed is critical and aluminum’s light weight composition allows boats to reach speeds unobtainable before. For example, one of the most famous infamous global circumnavigation boat races is the Volvo Ocean Race, which takes place every four years. The race usually takes over nine months and covers 39,000 nautical miles. It takes place over 11 legs and incorporates stops at 12 ports around the world. Weather permitting, the race usually begins in Europe in September and runs through the Atlantic Ocean, corners around Africa’s southerly point, and then braves the often treacherous waters of the Southern Ocean before cornering again at Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America and heading home up the Atlantic.

Shanghai Metal Corporation understands the importance of safety in the boating and marine industry and is committed to offering products that abide by quality standards and are sustainable for the environment as well. Learn more about the products we offer and services we provide at our website here. Be sure to join the conversation in our LinkedIn group, Twitter, and Facebook.

Kristie K. // SMC Editor

 

 

Aluminum Industry Analysis in Brazil

Growing demand for aluminum in Brazil is powered by the packaging, transportation and construction industries. Aluminum foil is used in flexible packaging and many consumer products are making the transition in packaging material, leading to greater demand across the world.  Increases in demand for transportation and construction needs are powered by the 2014 World Cup and the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, where extrusion-related programs include stadiums and airports. The Brazilian Aluminum Association (ABAL) technical director Arton Filletti says “We also see great potential for extrusions in other modes of people transport, such as railways, urban surface trains and subways.” He also sees potential in the shipping and offshore industry.

Four industries account for three quarters of aluminum consumption in Brazil.

 

Aluminum is on the rise in the auto industry and has plenty of room for growth in Brazil. In 2013, vehicles produced domestically have average aluminum content per vehicle at around 110 pounds. In leading markets such as the U.S. and Europe, average aluminum content per vehicle exceeds 300 pounds. Inovar Auto is a government program established to boost vehicle technology innovation should raise demand by the industry as well as tax breaks for cars that reach a set level of energy efficiency. Demand should increase for aluminum since it is known to make cars lighter and run more efficiently.

Rio de Janeiro’s Olympic Park will be located next to the water’s edge in the Barra area of the the city and is set to be used in the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Brazil dropped to 8^th from 6^th largest producer globally as production of primary aluminum fell 9.2%. The main barrier is poor competitiveness in the cost of electricity. Last year, Brazil dropped to 8^th from 6^th largest producer globally.  The loss of competitiveness will mean that Brazil will have to become a net importer of aluminum. The People’s Republic of China remains at the top of the list and Shanghai Metal Corporations is a leading manufacturer in Aluminum sheets and plates committed to providing value-added quality products with competitive pricing and prompt delivery. Our group of competent engineers develops and improves our products using specially design and advanced equipment to meet the special needs to our clients. To find out more about our wide variety of products check out our website here.

Sources: The Brazilian Aluminum Association (ABAL), Bain & Company