making pigs fly (technically speaking)

Technically sorting out how to successfully float four massive helium inflatables was a unique challenge for the design team. Thanks to our creative, Chicago based structural engineers, Goodfriend Magruder Structure, the balloons will be safe and stable in light to moderate wind conditions. The upward lift capacity of the balloons was determined by calculating the lift value of the helium volume in combination with the weight of the balloons and tethers. To stabilize the lift value, we will utilize broadly spaced anchoring points on the barge deck. The triangulated tethers will  loop through welded deck anchors allowing for rigging. To add linear stability, the inflatables will be tethered nose-to-tail with calculated cord lengths. 

Using math, science, and a rational process can yield amazing things.

sketch courtesy of Goodfriend Magruder Structure