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Introduction:

The CN Tower is a broadcast and telecommunication center located in Toronto, Canada. It stands at a
height of 1815 ft (approximately 553.21 m) and has a weight exceeding 130 thousand tons. It held the
title of the world's tallest free-standing structure until 2009. This tower is a renowned tourist attraction,
mainly because of its sky pod, 360 restaurant, glass floor, and Edge walk. It has become a hallmark of
Toronto's skyline and entices over two million international visitors annually. To complete the project, a
massive antenna was raised to the top with the help of an army helicopter named "Olga." The helicopter
first dismantled the cranes on top of the tower and then carried the antenna, which consisted of 36
sections, up to the top. The CN Tower is situated in Downtown Toronto, the primary central business
district of the province of Ontario's capital city. The Cement Foundation Company of Canada, which is
presently known as the Canada Cement Company, executed the construction of the CN Tower. It holds
many titles including:
 World’s Tallest Free-standing Structure (1975)
 World’s Tallest Building and Free-standing Structure (1996)
 World’s Tallest Building (2003)
 World’s Tallest Tower (2007 – 2010)

Aims and objectives:


 Solution to communication problem:
It holds the status of being the 10th largest tallest building and serves as a significant point for
communications transmitting both radio and television signals due to its height because the aim
behind building the tower was to solve the telecommunication issue as a building boom was seen
in Toronto in 60’s.
Radio waves that used to travel at lower levels across the city began to be interrupted by new
slabs of concrete and steel structures. The ability to communicate and receive signals was being
interrupted that was not a good sign for a budding city.
Construction of CN Tower began in February 1973 and was completed in 1976. It was a
successful project as. once it was completed Toronto was often regarded as having the clearest
reception for radio, television, and communication waves in North America
 Popular tourist attraction:
It is a major tourist attraction that includes observation decks, a revolving restaurant at some
1,151 feet (351 meters), and an entertainment complex. It was also declared as modern 7th
wonders of the world by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
 Government revenue:
It was a part of Canadian National Railway Metro Center redevelopment scheme which envelops
190 acres of railway land between the central business district of Toronto and the waterfront. It
was privatized in 1995 as ownership was transferred to Canada Lands Company.
 Innovation:
Increased need for effective communication, technological advances and cultural practices
resulted in the construction of the building. Massive human labor and high technological
techniques were prominent attributes in the construction process.

Plan of the Research:


 It focuses on Triple Constraints that are scope, time and budget of any project.

Budget Scope Time


 Initially a $12 million  The project was  It took 40 months
budget was estimated rescoped in numerous (about 3 and a half
for construction but ways years) for CN tower to
originally it cost over  It was first conceived get completed. It began
$63 million to build. in 1968 but it evolved in 1973 and was
This is equal to about over time and became opened to the public in
$270 million dollars official in 1972. April 1976. It took
today. It returned its  Change in location about 1,500 laborers to
investment in about happened work around the clock
15 years. Between  Amendments in its for 5 days a week so
2014 – 2015, it earned design were also made the construction of the
about $72 million in as presented in the tower could be
revenue. original plan for the completed within 40
tower. The idea of months (about 3 and a
Sky Pod was not part half years).
of the plans until later.

Project Initiation:
 Selection of Project: The main reason for the selection of the project that was proposed in
1968 and become official in 1972 were:
 The Operating Necessity: as country was facing serious communication signal due to
construction of number of skyscrapers in town in 60’s so construction of CN Tower
proved to be a great success in resolving the issue.
 The Comparative Benefit Model: It is therefore important to recognize that the tower was
serving multiple purposes like serving communication purposes and as a popular tourist
attraction making Toronto as a tourist destination.
 Sustainability: The construction of the tower also came at a time when the concept of
sustainability of economic resources was taking root. Specifically, there was the need for
engineers to utilize resources at their disposal in such a manner that the future
generation’s ability would not be compromised so CN tower therefore uses economized
space of land to provide business with numerous offices and tourists with unsurpassed
recreational facilities. From 2006 to 2020 they achieved 91.8% reduction in Green house
gas emission.
 Product Line Extension: The original plan of the tower was just a communication tower,
but One engineer widely noted that “people would surely pay more for an observation
deck that is located higher” so this was considered and thus expanded as a recreational
place.
 Project Planning:
 The plan was to build the most effective communication signals transmission system for
Toronto city. The structure was initially planned and designed accordingly. There were
many important things that needed to be planned before the construction begins like
 difficulty of engineering the post-stressed tensioning cables that helped to strengthen the
tower
 The most dramatic moment occurred during the placement of antenna that made it the
tallest building in the world at that time.
 The perfect design for the structure.
 The budget, time and scope of the construction project are the main elements that play a
key role in determining the success or failure of any project.
 One of the project’s biggest challenges was preventing the formation of ice on the tower.
 The location of the tower was changed, and it took a long time for that railway area to
boom, and it finally became accessible to the public.
 Being the tallest building, it is struck by lightning about 75-80 times a year, so fool proof
planning was required to get a biggest lightning rod on the CN Tower.

Project Designing:
 Wind: The original plan of the tower would have been much shorter and included a tripod
consisting of three independent cylindrical “pillars” linked at various heights by
structural bridges. As the design effort continued, it evolved into the current design with a
single continuous hexagonal core to the Sky Pod, with three support legs blended into the
hexagon below the main level, forming a large Y-shape structure at the ground level.
which reduces the surface area that wind can push on and lowers the Tower’s center of
gravity. It is a 147 Storey building.
 Glass: The core of the CN Tower is a hollow concrete pillar that contains a staircase and
6 elevators. The elevators and the tower’s shaft are made of glass so you can see the
Toronto skyline when moving up the Tower. The glass used in our Glass Floor is made of
silica, sodium oxide, lime and magnesia—it’s the same kind used for soda bottles, vases,
mason jars and other household items. The molecular pattern of this kind of glass does
not repeat in a symmetrical way—instead, it looks more like a spider web, but with
missing strands
 Lightning: A series of copper strips runs the entire length of the Tower. Copper is very
conductive, allowing electrons from lightning to move easily through it. These strips feed
into massive grounding rods buried below the ground floor of the Tower. When lightning
does strike the Tower, the electrical discharge runs through the wires and diffuses into the
ground.

 Project Engineering:
 56,000 tons of earth and shale were removed from the site for foundation. This mold was
a slipform mold that was supported by a ring of climbing jacks powered by hydraulic
pressure
 The construction phase timeline is as follows:
Brackets being raised August 1974
Main Pod Construction April 1975
Helicopter lifting the part of Antenna April 1975
Near completion Dec 1975
Opening June 26, 1976

 Project Architects: Canadian Railways was the sole contractor of the project and major
contributors to the project team included:
 NCK Engineering (structural engineer)
 John Andrews Architects; architects of record
 The Webb, Zerafa, Menkes, Housden Partnership (now WZMH Architects)
 The Foundation Company of Canada (now part of AECON)
 Steel fabricator Canron (Eastern Structural Division)
 Scanada Slipform Systems Inc.;
 Excavation contractor Rumble Contracting Inc.

Project Planning
Project planning is the process of defining the scope, objectives, and timeline of a project, as
well as determining the tasks, resources, and budget required to achieve those goals. It is an
essential step in project management that helps ensure that a project is completed on time,
within budget, and to the desired quality standards. Project planning involves breaking down
the project into manageable tasks, estimating the time and resources required for each task,
and creating a project schedule that outlines the order and duration of each task. It also
involves identifying potential risks and developing contingency plans to address them. Effective
project planning helps to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned and working toward a
common goal, and that the project is set up for success from the start.
 Performance
In terms of project performance, the CN Tower can be considered a success. The project was
completed on time and within budget, despite numerous challenges and obstacles that had to
be overcome during construction. The tower was also built to meet the highest safety
standards, and its structural integrity has been consistently maintained over the years.
Overall, the CN Tower project can be considered a significant achievement in the field of
architecture and engineering. Its construction demonstrated the ability of Canadian engineers
and construction workers to undertake complex and challenging projects, and it continues to
serve as a symbol of Canada's technological and engineering prowess.

 Scheduling
Scheduling in project management refers to the process of creating a plan or timeline for a
project, outlining the tasks and activities that need to be completed, their sequence, duration,
and dependencies. Scheduling is an essential component of project management, as it helps
ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and meets the project objectives.
The scheduling process typically involves breaking down the project into smaller, more
manageable tasks, estimating the time and resources required to complete each task,
determining the sequence of tasks, identifying any dependencies or constraints, and assigning
resources to each task. This information is then used to create a project schedule, which is a
timeline that outlines when each task will be started and completed, and when key project
milestones will be achieved.

The construction of the CN Tower began in February 1973 and took approximately 40 months
to complete. The tower was built by a consortium of companies led by Canadian National
Railway, which also provided the land on which the tower was built.
The project involved a number of engineering challenges, including the design and construction
of a foundation that could support the weight of the tower, which is composed of steel and
concrete. The tower was built using a slip-form construction method, in which a concrete form
was continuously raised to create the tower's cylindrical shape.

In addition to the tower itself, the project also involved the construction of a number of other
buildings and facilities on the site, including a restaurant and observation deck at the top of the
tower, as well as parking and service facilities.
During its construction, the CN Tower was considered a marvel of engineering and a symbol of
Canadian innovation. It held the title of the tallest free-standing structure in the world for over
30 years, until it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2007.

 Cost
The CN Tower is a famous landmark and tourist attraction located in Toronto, Canada. The cost
to build the CN Tower was approximately CAD 63 million, which is equivalent to roughly USD 31
million, at the time of its construction in the 1970s.
Construction began in February 1973 and was completed in June 1976, taking a total of 40
months to build. The original budget for the project was $63 million CAD, and the final cost was
$63 million CAD, which was considered a remarkable achievement at the time. It returned its
investment in about 15 years. Between 2014-2015, it earned about CAD 72 million in revenue.

Since its construction, the CN Tower has undergone several renovations and upgrades to
maintain its safety and keep up with modern technology. The cost of these renovations is not
publicly disclosed, but they likely require significant investment given the tower's size and
complexity.

Project execution
Project execution is the process of carrying out the activities and tasks necessary to complete a
project as defined in the project plan. It involves putting the plan into action, managing
resources, coordinating tasks, and monitoring progress to ensure that the project is completed
on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.

During project execution, the project team works together to execute the project plan by
completing tasks, resolving issues and risks, communicating with stakeholders, and making
necessary adjustments to the plan as needed. The project manager oversees the project
execution, ensuring that project deliverables are being met, and resources are being managed
effectively.

Successful project execution requires effective communication, collaboration, and coordination


among team members, stakeholders, and project managers. It involves managing changes and
making adjustments to the project plan as needed to ensure that the project remains on track
and achieves its objectives.
 Construction and Contractors
The construction of the CN Tower began on February 6, 1973. At first, over 56 tonnes of earth
was removed to build the foundation of the tower. The actual tower itself was constructed by
pouring concrete into a mold. This mold was a slipform mold that was supported by a ring of
climbing jacks powered by hydraulic pressure. As the concrete was poured and then began to
harden, the form was tightened, shrunk, and then gradually raised, creating the tapered look of
the tower.

The CN Tower Antenna


The CN Tower antenna was built in 44 different pieces. Each piece was hoisted up by the
Sikorsky S-64 Sky crane helicopter. When the final piece was attached, the tower became the
tallest free form building in the world.
Working at over 1,000 feet, there was still little safety in terms of working-at-heights
regulations. The safety harnesses are only hooked around the chest in arms. This meant that
most contractors would have slipped out if they had fallen.
The average hourly wage for contractors building the CN Tower was $8. Today the equivalent is
approximately $42/hour. On top of this wage, there was a danger pay rate of an extra dollar per
hour for every 300 feet after 1,000 feet. For example, those working at 1,450 feet would get
paid $9 while those working at 1,630 feet would get $10.
It’s easy to see why many were willing to work on such a tall and imposing project. The
aftermath of a full bank account and the pride of building such a noteworthy building was
enough for many contractors.

 Maintenance
The maintenance of the CN Tower is carried out by a team of skilled professionals who are
responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:

 Cleaning: The CN Tower is regularly cleaned to remove dust, dirt, and debris that can
accumulate on its exterior surface.

 Inspection: Regular inspections are conducted to ensure that the tower is structurally
sound and that all systems are working properly.
 Painting: The tower is painted on a regular basis to protect it from corrosion and to keep it
looking its best.

 Repairs: Any damage or wear and tear to the tower is promptly repaired to prevent further
damage.

 Upgrades: The tower is constantly being upgraded to keep up with technological


advancements and to improve its functionality.

The maintenance of the CN Tower is a continuous process, and a great deal of effort goes into
ensuring that it remains safe, secure, and operational at all times.

 Testing and Commissioning


The testing and commissioning of the CN Tower began in 1973 and took two years to complete.
The process involved a variety of tests, including load testing, wind tunnel testing, and elevator
testing.

Load testing involved placing weights on the tower to simulate the weight of people and
equipment that would be on the tower at any given time. This testing was important to ensure
the tower could support its maximum capacity without any structural damage.

Wind tunnel testing involved testing the tower's ability to withstand high winds. Engineers used
a wind tunnel to simulate different wind conditions and observe how the tower reacted. This
testing was crucial to ensure the tower could withstand the extreme weather conditions in
Toronto.

Elevator testing involved testing the tower's elevators to ensure they were safe and reliable.
This testing involved running the elevators through a series of tests to ensure they could handle
the tower's height and capacity.

Once all the testing was complete, the tower was commissioned, meaning it was officially
declared safe and ready for use. The CN Tower has since become a popular tourist attraction
and a symbol of Canada's engineering prowess.
Why the CN Tower was Built

The CN Tower was constructed to address the telecommunications issue arising from the city's building
boom, which resulted in taller concrete and steel structures interrupting radio waves. It primarily
functions as a radio tower, helping to improve communication and signal reception across Toronto.
Upon completion, Toronto boasted the clearest reception for radio, television, and communication
waves in North America. The tower's height surpassed all other buildings in the city during construction,
dramatically altering the city skyline.

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