The Great American Pyramid

Along the banks of the Mississippi in Memphis, a pyramid is being constructed for the Memphis State University basketball team, the American Music Hall of Fame, a multipurpose facility for concerts, the circus and stage entertainment. The pyramid is built of structural steel, reinforced concrete, and stainless steel cladding. Alternatives considered for cladding included anodized Al, porcelain enamel, painted steel, and stainless steel. A review of this pyramid covers: site conditions; pyramid superstructure; secondary trusses; design challenges; economic design; superstructure erection; and other considerations.