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There is a shortage of sports halls in Sweden, particularly in urban areas where demand from local sports clubs is highest. By 2030, over 50 new facilities will be needed in the Stockholm area. At the same time, the sports movement faces challenges regarding ecological sustainability, particularly concerning facilities and sports environments. In this study, two hypothetical sports halls with different structural solutions were designed and dimensioned in Sundbyberg, a suburb in western Stockholm where demand is greatest. The halls were designed with glulam frames, based on the requirements posed by various sports activities.

The two structural solutions examined were three-pin trusses with tension rods and double-pitched beams. In addition to the design and dimensioning of the sports halls, a cost and environmental impact analysis was conducted based on the material consumption determined during dimensioning. Furthermore, two Building Information Models (BIM) were created to visualize and analyze the structures, which could potentially be used as educational material at the institution.

The comparison showed that it was possible to design and dimension the two structures without compromising the requirements for sports, such as adequate internal ceiling height and available floor space. The structure using three-pin trusses proved to be the most cost-effective option, as the bending stresses in the beams were significantly lower than in the double-pitched beams, allowing for the use of a smaller cross-section. However, the double-pitched beam option was more environmentally friendly, as the three-pin truss required several steel components, significantly increasing the environmental impact.

The comparison of environmental impact and material costs could have been conducted with a more robust methodology to ensure more reliable and detailed results. A comprehensive life cycle analysis (LCA) could provide a deeper understanding of the materials' life cycles, from raw material extraction to final recycling, thus identifying where the greatest environmental impact occurs. For the cost analysis, a more detailed methodology that includes transport, labor, and maintenance over time would provide a more comprehensive view of the long-term economic consequences of the different structural solutions.