Both the metal construction of the roof of the central stadium at OAKA and the corresponding metal construction of the bicycle track do not meet the regulatory minimum permitted level of static adequacy, according to a publication of Daily.

This is the main conclusion of the studies carried out on the specific infrastructures by the technical consultant of TAIPED, which has the specific properties in its portfolio and is charged with the task of their maintenance.

The study does not attribute responsibility to the original design or construction of the projects, but, as it points out, evaluates the current state in relation to their “ideal” state, that is, the state it is estimated that they should have had when they were delivered.

The role of the technical consultant contractor and ultimately of the drafting of the study and its conclusions is held by the consortium of companies “S. Stathopoulos – K. Faros structure S.A. – I. Mavrakis and Associates Office of Technical Studies SA”, with the distinctive title “OAKA Consortium”.

The technical consultants, to whom the “Extended inspection of the Calatrava metal structures and their polycarbonate roofs” was assigned following a tender, handed over the specific study to the Strategic Importance Contracts Unit of TAIPED, which is tasked with “running” the tenders for the maintenance of the entire OAKA , with a budget of 56.5 million euros.

However, as sources involved in the process explain to K, this budget will now almost certainly have to be revised upwards to include the significant maintenance and repair works that emerge as needed for the main stage. Currently, the Technical Chamber of Greece has undertaken to process the findings of the TAIPED consultants and come to its own assessment.

In any case, there should be studies on what needs to be done and how it will be done, and then tenders for the implementation of the projects.

According to what was reported yesterday afternoon by the Minister of Education with responsibility for Sports Yannis Vroutsisthe cycle track is likely to be able to be delivered in 2024. But for the central stadium, he reserved to answer, as it is obvious that there is still no visibility even for the timetable of the restoration course.

Based on the conclusions of the extensive study, which “K” has at its disposal, delivered by TAIPED to the government and dated 9/25/2023, the evaluation of the static adequacy of the central stadium is as follows:

“The metal construction of the roof of the central stadium does not meet the regulatory minimum permitted level of static adequacy.”

“From the above analytical investigation it emerges that the metal construction of the roof of the central stadium does not meet the regulatory minimum permitted level of static adequacy (check with elastic and plastic strength of the cross-sections of the arches). This computational deficiency is not related to poor workmanship and/or insufficient connection of the carriers during the construction phase, but refers to the ideal structural condition that, hypothetically, the canopy had immediately after its completion, in application of the seventh edition of its static study. In addition, based on the findings from the visual inspection and the non-destructive tests carried out under this contract, it appears that this situation is aggravated by the existence of significant unacceptable connection failures (i.e. cracks in face welds, pre-stressed bolts without pre-tension, bolters connections of an unacceptable type), which are repairable, but significantly reduce the already highlighted limited regulatory static adequacy of the bodies. On the basis of the above, we consider it necessary to repair the problematic points and launch the necessary procedures to restore the required level of static adequacy of this emblematic project”.

Regarding the evaluation of the static adequacy of the cycle track, the conclusion of the study is as follows:

“From the above analytical investigation, it follows that the metal structure of the bicycle track does not meet the regulatory minimum permitted level of static adequacy based on the elastic strength of the cross-sections of the arches, while taking into account the plastic strength of the cross-sections, marginal static adequacy is found.

However, although based on the categorization of cross-sections of arches it is normatively acceptable to use plastic strengths in adequacy checks, it should be emphasized that the development of significant plastic deformations in a highly compressive member such as a bow suspension is doubtful and therefore the specific approach is non-conservative. In addition, a deficiency of bearing capacity was identified in the arch bearings.

The specific deficiencies are not related to poor workmanship during the construction phase, but refer to the ideal structural condition that, hypothetically, the shelter had immediately after its completion. Also, based on the findings from the visual inspection and the non-destructive tests carried out, significant problems of corrosion of the anchoring devices at the base of the hangers are identified, with a possible effect on the inside of the anchorage and also on the body of the hangers. On the basis of the above, we consider it necessary to repair the problematic points, to launch the necessary procedures to restore the required level of static adequacy of this emblematic project”.

The 2020 study

Since October 2020, the government has known about problems with the roof of the Olympic Stadium. However, in the intervening period until the facility’s shutdown announcement last Friday, it received no care. In July 2019, it was awarded following a tender by the Ministry of Infrastructure to the company Domi SA. study for the maintenance of OAKA facilities. The specific initiative had come as a continuation of the controls that had been carried out with regard to the vibrations of the central stadium beam during a football match between AEK and Bayern Munich.

The study was completed in October 2020 after four extensions. In the chapter on the canopy entitled “Center Stage Canopy” of that study there are two main highlights-findings. The first concerns the issue of the staticity of the metal structure. There the study refers to an inspection carried out by the German company BUNG in the period 2007-2008 in view of the final acceptance of the OAKA, which was completed in 2010.

Then “no problems of stability, bearing capacity and functionality of the roof were detected”. In the very next paragraph, however, it is pointed out that “from the autopsies, more serious problems were identified, rather unjustified for the construction of high quality features. These problems should be attributed to the lack of maintenance, but they should definitely be addressed as soon as possible.” That study was submitted to the Ministry of Infrastructure and the General Secretariat of Sports at the end of 2020.

The contract for the new study, this time exclusively for the Calatrava metal construction, was signed in November 2022. The consortium of companies “S. Stathopoulos – K. Faros Domi SA. – I. Mavrakis and Associates Office of Technical Studies SA”, with the distinctive title “OAKA Consortium”. The new study was deemed imperative in view of the plan to renovate the sports facility as part of the actions of the Strategic Contracts Maturation Unit (PPF) of TAIPED. It was completed a few days ago and submitted to the General Secretariat of Sports, with Deputy Minister Yannis Vroutsis announcing – based on the findings – the shutdown of the facility.