Engineering Challenges

In both size and sustainability the statue and throne building are unlike any other monument in the world. The Project's professional partners include world leaders from India and around the world who are expert in project management, structural, mechanical, electrical, environmental, sustainable and reverse engineering, scanning, surfacing, mould making and casting.

One of the main goals of Maitreya Project is to build a monumental work of art that will serve as a constant source of inspiration and a symbol of loving-kindness for at least 1,000 years.

While the conditions the statue will meet today can be easily measured, projecting data for weather patterns over the 1,000-year lifespan of the statue is much more difficult. The huge structure must withstand high winds, extreme temperature changes, seasonal rains, possible earthquakes and floods, and environmental pollution throughout at least 1,000 years. For this reason, the statue must be designed to withstand the most challenging conditions that could conceivably arise.

The computer model is examined for wind loading, heat expansion, possible earthquakes, and extreme weather conditions. By using advanced computer software, all possible stresses are simulated and the design adapted where stresses could have become too high. The software programmes depict stress levels as different colours.

Extensive research has gone into developing the special alloy of bronze to be used for the outer 'skin' of the statue, an aluminium-nickel-bronze.

As the bronze 'skin' will expand and contract dramatically due to daily temperature changes, the statue will require special expansion joints. While these must be invisible to the observer, they must also be constructed in such a way as to protect the internal supports of the statue from water leakage, erosion and corrosion.

'For technicians and engineers, the requirements for the statue are very unusual. Our last century is famous for having created the biggest of most man-made structures. The lifespan of 1,000 years, however, is the requirement that influences nearly all aspects of architectural design and material selection.