Shelters
Highway Rest Areas, Colby, Kansas
39-21-54 N, 101-09-20 W (I-70 Eastbound rest area)
39-22-00 N, 101-09-00 W (I-70 Westbound rest area)
Structural Engineer: unknown
Architect: unknown
Builder: unknown
Configuration: Hyperbolic paraboloid umbrella shells
Measurements: Each shelter measures 24 feet by 24 feet
Purpose: Rest area shelters
Year: c. 1965
I lack information on who designed and built these shelters, and when. This type is common; I have noted 32 of these umbrellas (so far) along Kansas highways -- likely built by the same contractor from the same portable formwork. Each of the rest areas has two of these shelters.
Notice that these roofs are shaped as standard umbrellas (or "mushrooms" or "toadstools"), with the concrete panels sloping out and down from the center post. This keeps the concrete in tension, unlike the inverted umbrella shape that keeps the concrete in compression. In theory the inverted umbrella canopies (see Jolly Rest Area Shelters for an example) are stronger than these mushroom canopies, but these appear to be in fine shape after standing for several decades.
The author visited in April 2018.
References
Personal observation only.
Updated April 18, 2021