New glass-enclosed observation deck on top of the iconic Montreal Tower

A major renovation project is underway aiming to revitalise the iconic leaning Tower of Montreal’s Olympic Stadium, an important landmark since the 1976 Olympics. Respecting the vision of the original architect, Roger Taillebert, notable interventions are the new preglazed curtain wall façade, the repurposed interior into a business hub and the addition of a complex glass-enclosed observation deck at the top level offering the public majestic views and a thrilling experience. This paper focuses on the new observation deck featuring a glass protective perimeter of imposing 3 m long, free-standing, frameless glass guards, inclined at a maximum 25o angle from the vertical, believed to be one of the steepest for this type of installation. The laminated glass guards are placed in various configurations to achieve a continuous, uninterrupted visual effect. Their design entails the consideration of high-speed winds at 165 m above ground and of a representative load of people leaning on the glass. This paper discusses the structural analysis employed to define the multi-layered, laminated compositions and the customised connection joints. Results are presented for the ultimate and serviceability limit states and the post-breakage loading condition with use of numerical models for the glass panels and the customised steel fixed base of the guards. This challenging design showcases the structural capabilities of glass while meeting architectural demands.