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Albina Co., Inc. rolled 326,140# of wide flange ranging in size from W8 x 10# to W24 x 84# in order to form the roof trusses of the main entrance lobby at “Aulani- A Disney Resort & Spa” in Ko Olina, Hawaii. The concept for the rolled material was to make the lobby appear in the shape of a canoe. The material was fabricated by Brooklyn Iron Works.

Volkswagen Curved Stair at Volkswagen Group of America Headquarters in Reston, Virginia.

Albina bent different sizes of Tube Steel and Plate the Easy Way for this project to 12 and 16 foot radii.

TS 16" X 4" X .500" WALL A500 GR B (8 pcs bent the Easy Way)

3/8" THICK X 8-13/16" WIDE A36 PLATE (2 pcs bent the Easy Way)

3/8" THICK A36 PLATE (3 pcs bend the Easy Way)

3/8" THICK X 84-11/16" WIDE A36 PLATE (1 pc bent the Easy Way)

3/8" THICK X 19-5/16" WIDE A36 PLATE (1 pc bend the Easy Way)

3/8" THICK X 12" WIDE A36 PLATE (2 pcs bent the Easy Way)

Why Use Curved Steel? 

Aesthetic Appeal

Curved steel provides a more modern, unique appearance and adds more dynamic dimension with minimized visual disruptions. Curved steel is more aesthetically appealing and attractive than "built-up" or "welded" sections. Curved steel creates flowing, uninterrupted lines that provide a sense of elegance and fluidity in design.

Structural Integrity

The AISC indicates that the bending process does not adversely affect the strength or structural integrity of steel. When a shape has been curved successfully, the strains the member will experience under actual service conditions will be much smaller than those associated with the curving operation.

Load Distribution

The maximum axial compression in an arch typically occurs under uniformly distributed loads across the full span. This efficient load-bearing mechanism enables the design of lighter structures that maintain structural integrity. Additionally, the inherent stiffness of curved steel elements contributes to the overall stability of structures, reducing the need for supplementary support materials.

Functional and Versitile Design

Curved shapes facilitate smoother transitions and more complex designs; enabling the creation of curved slab edges and unencumbered column-free spaces, providing elegant and cost-effective solutions. No other framing material matches structural steel's capacity to encourage freedom of expression and design creativity. 

Energy Efficiency

The AISC acknowledges that curved steel designs can enhance natural lighting in buildings. For instance, the use of curved steel and glass roofs can create expansive atriums that allow ample natural light to penetrate interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours, contributing to overall energy savings.

Material Conservation 

Steel weighs half the amount of concrete resulting in a lighter, more sustainable building and less cost. According to the AISC, domestically produced structural steel typically contains between 90% and 100% recycled content. The industry average for recycled content in domestic structural steel is over 90%, the highest of any building framing material.

Aerodynamic

Curved structures can enhance aerodynamic properties by reducing wind resistance, minimizing turbulence, and decreasing drag. Studies have shown that incorporating curved elements, such as rounded corners, can enhance aerodynamic performance by reducing drag and mitigating wind-induced vibrations.

Click here for printable PDF! Why Use Curved Steel

Excited to share some photos of our work at the brand-new Hollywood Burbank Airport Terminal! Albina bent 421,030 lbs of steel for this project totaling 170 pcs of wide flange and HSS, both round and square. Material radii varied from 72’ 5 5/8” to 574’ 0”. The nearly $1.3 billion dollar project will include a new 355,000 square foot terminal with 14 gates, providing more space for passengers. Also being upgraded are security and baggage claim, as well as shopping and dining. The goal of building the new terminal is to give travelers a more “elevated” experience.

We are excited to have been a part of the Nugget Event Center, Sparks Forecourt Shade Structure project! The city of Sparks, Nevada held a ceremony in June 2024 to celebrate the completion of the forecourt project. The 11 custom curved steel shade structures provide shade for visitors and residents, and were installed with advanced LED lighting for the evening time. This project is located on Victorian Avenue, an incredibly popular street in Sparks, where many special events are held.

For this project, Albina bent
33 pieces of 6" SCH40 A500 GR B to multiple radii and configurations,
and 47 pieces of 6" XXH A53B to multiple radii and configurations.

Albina offers an expertise in curving structural steel, plate, and other metals to create spiral, circular and helical stair stringers meeting the diverse needs of industries worldwide. Albina has mastered the art of spiral bending with our in-house developed induction bending process. We are the leader in spiral bending in the US and Canada. Our induction heat source and increment bending method produce extremely tight spiral bends to industry leading quality AESS standards.

As a professional in the stair industry, staying current with evolving codes, technical innovations, and best practices is essential. The SMA (Stairbuilders & Manufacturers Association) stood out because it offers:

• Cutting-Edge Education: Whether it’s through the SMA Stair Academy or AIA Continuing Education programs, members gain access to specialized courses and certifications that help advance our expertise.
• Technical Resources: From the 3D Anatomy of a Stair to comprehensive manuals and visual interpretations of the stairbuilding codes, the SMA equips you with the tools to design safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing stairways.
• Networking Opportunities: Annual conferences, regional workshops, and an extensive member directory allow you to connect with fellow professionals—from builders and architects to code officials and designers.

We specialize in architectural exposure quality spiraling of tube steel, channel, plate and pipe to amazingly tight radii and steep pitches. We work on both commercial and residential applications. In addition to staircases and stringers, we produce a number of other ornamental products such as handrails, decorative gates and fences, as well as architecturally unique and appealing signage and entry-ways for commercial, residential, recreational and transportation applications.

SMA (Stiarbuilders & Manufacturers Association) is a vibrant community of professionals passionate about the art and science of stairbuilding. Deciding to join the SMA has opened doors to education, networking, and a wealth of industry knowledge.

The Winter Park Events Center in Florida stands as a testament to modern architectural excellence, offering a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. One of its most striking features is the monumental circular staircase that gracefully ascends to the Rooftop Terrace, providing guests with a unique and memorable experience.

This freestanding spiral staircase is not only a focal point of the interior design but also a marvel of engineering. Crafted with precision, the staircase was constructed using various steel components, each meticulously bent and shaped to achieve the desired curvature and structural integrity.

Key Materials and Specifications:

• TS 20" x 4" x .500" WALL A500 GR B:
• 2 pieces spiral bent the easy way to a 7’-10” radius (inside upper and lower stringer)
• 4 pieces spiral bent the easy way to a 10’-6” radius (outside upper and lower stringer)
• 1 landing section bent the easy way to a 7’-10” radius (inside landing section)
• 1 landing section bent the easy way to a 10’-6” radius (outside landing section)
• TS 6" x 4" x .500" WALL A500 GR B:
• 4 pieces spiral bent to a 10’-6” radius (outside upper and lower stringer sections)
• 1 landing section bent to a 10’-6” radius (outside landing section)
• FB ½" x 4" A36:
• 5 pieces rolled flat the hard way and pulled to pitch by the customer to a 122.45” radius (top and bottom plates)
• 1 landing section bent the hard way to a 7’-10” radius
• 2" x 2" x 3/16" ANGLE A36:
• 8 pieces rolled leg in to a 153.56” radius
• 2 pieces rolled leg in to an 11’-0” radius
• 6 pieces rolled leg out to a 117.90” radius
• 2 pieces rolled leg out to a 7’-4” radius
• TS 1½" x 1½" x .120" WALL A513:
• 4 pieces rolled to a 160” radius (outside handrailing)
• 3 pieces rolled to a 120” radius (inside handrailing)
• 1 piece rolled to a 10’-9” radius (outside handrailing at landing)
• 1 piece rolled to a 7’-7” radius (inside handrailing at landing)

The careful selection and manipulation of these materials ensure that the staircase is both a structural masterpiece and a visual delight. The use of rectangular and square tube steel (TS) components, along with flat bars (FB) and angle sections, allows for the creation of smooth, continuous curves that define the staircase's elegant spiral form.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the staircase serves a practical purpose, connecting the Grand Ballroom to the Rooftop Terrace. This design not only facilitates movement within the venue but also enhances the overall guest experience by providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Winter Park Events Center, with its innovative design and state-of-the-art facilities, is an ideal location for weddings, corporate functions, and social gatherings. The combination of its architectural features, such as the spiral staircase, and its versatile event spaces make it a premier choice for hosting memorable events in Central Florida.

For more information or to inquire about hosting an event at the Winter Park Events Center, you can visit their official website. Photo credit: Staircrafters, Inc. 

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Art has the power to inspire, transform, and connect us to the world around us. Migrations, an awe-inspiring installation by artist Olivia Guethling at GuildWorks, embodies these qualities with breathtaking elegance. This large-scale sculpture, depicting a migratory bird in motion, stands as a testament to both artistic vision and structural ingenuity.

A Monumental Installation

Standing 19.5 feet tall, 42 feet wide, and 16.5 feet deep, Migrations is a striking presence. Constructed from steel and architectural fabric, the piece captures the fluidity and grace of birds in flight while maintaining a strong, structured form. To achieve this intricate design, Albina bent various sizes of Schedule 40 pipe, ranging from 1-1/4” to 3” in diameter, demonstrating an impressive feat of metalwork.

A Journey Across Celebrated Venues

Migrations first took flight at Burning Man 2023, where it was unveiled in the vast Nevada desert among other visionary artworks. It later illuminated the Portland Winter Light Festival in 2024, captivating audiences with its ethereal presence. Today, the installation continues its journey and can be seen at OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) in Portland, Oregon, where visitors can experience its beauty up close.

A Tribute to Movement and Change

The theme of migration is deeply woven into the fabric of our world—both in nature and human experience. This installation serves as a poetic reminder of the resilience, adaptability, and interconnectedness of all living beings. Whether viewed against the backdrop of a glowing festival or entrance to OMSI, Migrations encourages reflection on the movement that defines life itself.

Experience "Migrations"

For those in Portland, OMSI offers a unique opportunity to witness this masterpiece firsthand. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone drawn to powerful visual storytelling, Migrations is not to be missed.

📷 Photo Credits: Olivia Guethling, Mar Ricketts, Brooke Smith Photography
🔗 Learn more: Migrations Project | OMSI Exhibit

Scheduled to open its doors in 2025, the Morgan Center for Research and Innovation promises to redefine cutting-edge research in the fields of science and technology. This monumental 17-story facility is a testament to advanced architectural design and engineering, providing dedicated spaces for wet labs, genome sequencing, core facilities, mechanical infrastructure, and much more. The Morgan Center is poised to become a hub for groundbreaking discoveries, further cementing its place as a leader in the research community.

Architectural and Engineering Marvel

What sets the Morgan Center apart is not just its focus on innovation but also its state-of-the-art construction. The building integrates an impressive array of materials and design elements to meet the needs of modern research while embracing sustainable and forward-thinking practices. One of the key highlights of the project has been the inclusion of custom steel bending by Albina Co., Inc., showcasing the precision and expertise required for such a project.

Albina’s Contribution: Steel Bending Excellence

Albina Co., Inc. played a pivotal role in bringing the Morgan Center’s design to life. We supplied over 94 pieces (155,000 lbs) of 8" X 8" X .500" WALL A500 GR C structural steel, bent and cut to various dimensions and configurations. These materials form integral components of the building, including its windscreen steel, which has already been installed at the top levels.

The windscreen installation marks a critical milestone in the construction process, adding a functional and aesthetic element to the building’s design. These components not only enhance the structure’s visual appeal but also provide structural reinforcement, showcasing Albina’s ability to deliver complex, high-quality steelwork for large-scale projects. Albina’s work doesn’t stop at the top. A separate section of the Morgan Center, located closer to the lower levels, will feature ribbon steel also provided by Albina. This bent steel will add another layer of visual and structural sophistication, tying together the building’s design elements from top to bottom.

The inclusion of these custom steel designs emphasizes the Morgan Center’s commitment to blending functionality, durability, and artistry in its construction. Albina’s expertise in steel bending has enabled the project to achieve its ambitious architectural vision.

Learn More

To stay updated on the Morgan Center’s construction progress and its anticipated opening, visit the Facilities Department’s Construction Page.

Albina Co., Inc.’s contribution to the Morgan Center highlights the critical role that precision steel bending and fabrication play in modern architecture. By enabling projects like the Morgan Center, Albina continues to set the bar for quality and innovation in construction.