Uni-Systems - Retractable Roofs

Retractable Roofs

Though it is not the only product Uni-Systems has delivered to clients, the company has become recognized as the "leader in retractable roofs." The firm's work with stadiums began with Minute Maid Park (formerly Enron Field), when they were contracted to work on the stadium's retractable roof with the architectural company HOK Sport. Along with the retractable roof, Uni-Systems also designed and installed the Squeeze Play feature, and the custom ornamental train that runs along an outfield wall at the stadium. Minute Maid Park gave credence to Uni-Systems as a successful provider of retractable roof mechanization systems, and the firm has become involved in numerous projects.

Along with the design and installation of retractable roofs, Uni-Systems helps develop custom control systems for operating mechanized components. In the case of Reliant Stadium, Uni-Systems worked with General Electric to control the bi-parting stadium roof using the GE Fanuc Series 90-70 Programmable Logic Controller, which provides a simple user-interface to control the roof, as well as detailed diagnostic resources designed to identify any problems in the mechanization system. Uni-Systems is also able to connect remotely to clients' systems to help run operations, perform maintenance, or identify problems in extreme cases.

The retractable skylight over the 470-ft-long retail concourse of Salt Lake City's City Creek Mall consists of two independent sections, one 230 ft and the other 240 ft long and each 58 ft wide. The retractable motion was achieved through three opposing glass-covered arched panels that cantilever across the 55.5-ft-wide concourse. Each panel has three plate box "ribs" with a 12.5-ft upturned back-span. The 80-ton skylight opens or closes in five minutes. City Creek Mall expects to have the roof open 70% of the time.