The CN Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Canada, located in the city of Toronto. It is considered to be one of the world’s tallest freestanding structures and a popular tourist attraction. One of the most commonly asked questions about the CN Tower is the number of stories it has. In this article, we will explore the structural features of the CN Tower, the number of stories and its calculation, the purpose and use of the tower, and many more.
Historical background of The CN Tower
The CN Tower was built in 1976 as a telecommunications tower by the Canadian National Railway company. The tower was constructed to improve communications within the city of Toronto and across Canada. The construction of the tower took three years, and it was officially opened to the public on June 26, 1976, by the then Prime Minister of Canada, Pierre Trudeau. Since then, it has become one of the most recognized landmarks in Toronto and Canada.
Structural features of The CN Tower
The CN Tower is 553.33 meters (1,815 feet and 5 inches) tall and has a total of 147 floors. The tower is made up of reinforced concrete and steel. It features a spindle-like design with a pointed top. The tower has eight elevators that can carry up to 20 people each to the observation decks and restaurants. The CN Tower’s design makes it resistant to wind and earthquakes, making it one of the safest structures in the world.
Purpose and use of The CN Tower
The CN Tower’s primary purpose was to improve telecommunications within the city and across Canada. The tower was also built to be a tourist attraction and a symbol of Canada’s technological and engineering excellence. Today, the CN Tower is used for various purposes, including telecommunications, broadcasting, and tourism.
The number of stories in The CN Tower
The CN Tower has a total of 147 floors, making it one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. However, only a few of these floors are accessible to the public, which includes the observation decks and restaurants.
How the number of stories is calculated
The number of stories in a building is calculated by dividing the height of the building by the average height of each floor. In the case of the CN Tower, the height of the tower is divided by the average height of each floor, which is approximately 3.77 meters (12.37 feet).
Comparison with other tall buildings
The CN Tower is one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world, and it’s ranked as the ninth tallest building in the world. However, it’s worth noting that the CN Tower is not a building in the traditional sense, but a tower. Compared to other traditional buildings, the CN Tower is smaller in height. For example, the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, is 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall and has 163 floors.
Views from The CN Tower
The CN Tower offers some of the most breathtaking views of Toronto and the surrounding areas. The observation deck provides a panoramic view of the city, Lake Ontario, and the nearby islands. Visitors can also experience the EdgeWalk, where they can walk on the outside ledge of the tower, 356 meters (1,168 feet) above the ground.
Challenges faced during construction
The construction of the CN Tower was not without its challenges. The tower was built on a site with difficult soil conditions, which required engineers to design special foundations to hold the tower in place. The tower’s height also posed a significant challenge, making it difficult to transport materials to the top of the tower. Despite these challenges, the construction of the tower was completed on time and within budget.
Maintenance and safety measures
The CN Tower undergoes regular maintenance to ensure it remains safe and functional. The tower has a team of engineers and maintenance staff who conduct regular inspections and repairs. The tower also has various safety features such as lightning rods, wind dampers, and earthquake-resistant design.
Tourist attractions in The CN Tower
The CN Tower is home to various tourist attractions, including the observation decks, restaurants, and the EdgeWalk. The tower also has a 3D theater, a simulator ride, and a gift shop. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the revolving restaurant, which offers a 360-degree view of the city.
Conclusion
The CN Tower is one of Canada’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the country’s engineering and technological excellence. The tower’s unique design, height, and various tourist attractions make it a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The number of stories in the CN Tower is 147, making it one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. Despite its age, the CN Tower remains safe and functional, thanks to regular maintenance and safety measures.
