Question

Superstructure Frames: Construction

Using all the different "design types" of superstructure frames (Concrete frame, Timber Frame, Steel Frame), how would you "design/build" a high-rise in your area (California, Fresno), and what types of structural systems would you use? You may make geographical assumptions to fit your model building.

Answer 1

A building needs to be stabilised for horizontal load and to achieve this, several different structural systems can be chosen. All of the different systems have evolved from the traditional rigidly jointed structural frame.
The fundamental design for all these structural systems have been to place as much
of the load-carrying material as possible around the buildings external fringe to maximise its flexural rigidity. For all structural systems, advantage can be taken by locating the main vertical members and, with the compressive stresses from self-weight, suppress the lateral load tensile stresses. This to avoid net tension in the vertical members and uplift in the foundations. For some structural systems it is necessary to have self-weight at the outer vertical members in order to achieve this.

Structural systems that can be used :

a) Framed tubed structure

b) Bundled tube

c) Tube in tube

d) Diagonalised and rigid frame

e) Outrigger system

f) Hybrid structure