Dollywood’s Wildwood Tree - Pigeon Forge, TN

Located in Tennessee’s Dollywood Park, PZSE performed the structural analysis for the  famous “butterfly Tree”. The tree measures approximately 50 feet in diameter and reaches a height of 54 feet. Constructed out of hot rolled steel members, a 3D finite element Analysis (FEA) was created to analyze the entire system ensuring the structure would be able to withstand environmental loading from snow, ice, wind and seismic forces.

One interesting element of this project were the leaves and the renowned light-up butterflies which provide a show to all of the park attendees at night. 

Designer: Extreme Engineering

Wilderness at the Smokies Cloud Coaster - Sevierville, TN

Located in “Wilderness at the Smokies” water park & resort in Tennessee, PZSE, Inc. performed the structural engineering analysis for a “first of it’s kind” indoor roller coaster which is suspended from the ceiling structure via cables. The coaster consists of a wide flange steel track with the rider cart hanging down below. With a starting height of 18 feet and riders soaring up to 25 feet in the air, the max speed riders reach is over 16 mph, hitting an approximate 0.8g forces. A 3D finite element analysis (FEA) model was developed to perform the analysis on the system to account for the rider’s moving point load along the length of the coaster with the coaster being the first of its kind in Tennessee. PZSE worked with the ride designer to ensure the design loading and applied forces onto the structure were accounted for correctly and efficiently.

Designer: Extreme Engineering
Image courtesy of Extreme Engineering

Marshall State Park Cabin - Coloma, CA

Located in the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, PZSE, Inc. performed the structural engineering design and details of this log cabin. This is a true log cabin that was designed to the original specifications including its construction with round logs. Multiple teams researched how its construction was complete during the gold rush era. Costs for professional engineering services for the cabin were waived and donated to the state park.

Designer: Gomm Design Company

Mobile DJ Booth - Roseville, CA

One of the more interesting and unique designs PZSE has engineered is this self-contained mobile DJ booth. Once the truck unfolds and the structure has been assembled, the DJ has the ability to elevate himself and his equipment 30 feet in the air over spectators mid performance.

As the platform may experience wind load when fully erect, our team incorporated wide flange members into the design as outriggers stabilizing the platform and mitigating any deflection ensuring the safety of the DJ, his crew & the festival goers.

Designer: SHCBM, LLC