30 | SUMMER 2019 ADVANTAGE STEEL some tweaking in and out, then come back with the chopper, and made it on the second try. The challenges of working with everyone cantilevered out over the edge, tied off so they don’t fall to their peril, while working beneath a live helicopter, demands everyone know what to do in advance of the steel arriving. It is almost impossible to hear each other, so unique hand signals were needed. It is quite dangerous work; if the helicopter pilot is in danger, and ever lets go of the load, which he has the ability to do, it can be catastrophic. The toughness and durability of the galvanizing enabled us to manhandle the steel in this remote location unlike any other protective coating. The suspension bridge was installed in the summer, and still we dealt with snow and howling winds in mid-June. After erecting the head frame supports and tying the cables to the rock faces, the suspension bridge baskets were erected from one end and rolled across to the other end by a custom-built trolley system. The finished product is a superb tourist experience thousands of feet above the resort that will last eternally, made of galvanized steel. Galvanizing was the obvious choice for this project given the life cycle, durability, and economics of Hot Dip Galvanizing. The Third family has two residences in Whistler and have been skiing the mountain for over 40 years, and we are very proud to be involved in this project that has changed the landscape forever for all to enjoy. AS FEATURE PROJECT NUMBERS 186,000 POUNDS OF STEEL HEAVIEST HELICOPTER LIFT: 5,300 POUNDS 1,703 PIECES TOTAL PROJECT DURATION: 7 MONTHS “Ithasbeenapleasureforus workingwitheveryoneatGTS.We areextremelypleasedwithhow bothstructuresturnedout.” Rob McSkimming, Project Manager, Vail Resorts YES WE CAN! STEEL STRUCTURES — CUSTOM HOMES STEEL & TIMBER — PLATE FORMING & ROLLING PUBLIC ART www.gthird.com — info@gthird.com