Robbie Synge
Super Structures Associates Ltd
Orlando / Sydney, USA / Australia
Contrary to popular belief, these models were not being constructed out of wax, but instead were made as a fiberglassshell, with a partial steel ‘skeleton’ inside.We were asked to analyseand code-check the steel frame within the batman sculpture to see if it would be strong enough to take the anticipated loads. These potential loads included people hangingfrom the model, pushing the model, or trying to lift the model. Additionally, a heavy leather cape was used (this being the ‘caped crusader’ after all!). The cape would be supported on two steel rods which would extend out from the back of the model.The model has now been installed in Madame Tussauds in both Orlando and Sydney.A similar design was performed later on for a model of Captain Marvel. A gif has been included, but furtherdetails have not been included within this application.We would be happy tosend additional information regarding thisif requested.
We were given a 3D model which we were able to easily import into advance design. From this we could position the bespoke steel frame easily and accurately, which would have been extremely difficult without the use of advance design’s built-in 3D capabilities.Once the basicsteelskeletonhad been created, we added various potential loads as mentioned above. Part of the challenge withthis was researching maximum forces a person could apply through pushing and pulling.We were able to prove that the model would be able to withstand all that could be thrown at it while it was on display.While importing the loading from advance design intoIDEA StatiCa, wenoticedthat there were high concentrations of loads in certain areas of one of thecentralconnections. We notified FBFX of this and some additional welds were included in these areas.We also created a 3D model of the supporting rods of the cape to analyse in more detail. The question was whether the ends of the cape needed cables to hold the ends of the rods up. Following a detailed analysisusing advance design, we were able to advise that deflections were not likely to be an issue without the additionalcables.
