Wolf Trap Performing Arts Center

Large cracks were found in one of the major steel box girders supporting the steel-framed roof over the Filene Center, a 6,800-seat indoor/ outdoor theatre causing it to collapse. Located in America’s Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the Filene Center opened in 1971 and features unique performances that run an average of 90 outdoor concerts each year.

Wolf Trap plays a leadership role in both the local and national performing arts communities. Through a wide range of artistic and education programs, Wolf Trap ensures that the arts remain accessible and affordable to the broadest possible audience.

RRJ engineers designed emergency shoring to support the roof until permanent repairs could be made. Extensive field investigations, structural finite element analyses, and installation of instrumentation were conducted to jack the original roof into its final position.

Permanent repairs of the roof were developed by RRJ involving extensive welding of the steel box girders and the installation of an external post-tensioning system to strengthen the box girders.