Structural monitoring of the amphitheatre in Szczecin

Structure

The Szczecin Summer Amphitheatre is a cultural venue with a stage and auditorium roof supported by a steel truss structure covered with membrane. The structure forms a geometrically complex spatial form, exposed to wind loads due to its location near the Oder river.

Challenge

Commissioned by ADAMIETZ — the general contractor — we designed and implemented a stress monitoring system for the steel roof structure. The specifics of the facility required accounting for the complex truss geometry and variable wind loads typical of the coastal location.

Key requirements:

• Continuous measurement of stresses in truss structural elements
• Simultaneous monitoring of multiple structural zones
• Online data view with automatic alarm thresholds
• Visualisation of stress distribution on the structural diagram

Solution

Measurement infrastructure

The system comprises 22 strain gauges distributed across 8 measurement zones on the membrane roof truss structure:

• Zones A (A1, A2, A3) — 12 strain gauges (4 per zone) monitoring stresses in the upper part of the membrane roof
• Zones B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6) — 10 strain gauges (2 per zone) monitoring stresses in the lower part of the structure

Each sensor measures stresses in MPa with a 5-second refresh rate, recording both tension (positive values) and compression (negative values) in steel elements.

Platform and visualisation

Readings are shown on an interactive diagram of the structure. Each measurement zone is marked on the technical drawing of the membrane roof, enabling quick location of measurement points. Gauge-type indicators with colour-coded thresholds (green / yellow / red) allow immediate assessment of structural condition.

Results

• Continuous 24/7 monitoring of stresses in 8 roof structure zones
• Automatic alerts when safety thresholds are exceeded
• Stress distribution visualisation on the technical structural diagram
• Structural condition documentation for periodic inspections
• Safe facility operation with continuous load monitoring