Comparative efficiency of structural systems for steel tall buildings

Abstract

Structural systems for tall buildings have evolved to produce higher lateral stiffness more efficiently. This study investigates comparative structural efficiency between today's prevalent structural systems for tall buildings, based on lateral stiffness. Tall buildings of 40, 60, 80 and 100 storeys are optimally designed with braced tubes, diagrids and outrigger structures to meet the lateral stiffness requirements. The structural efficiency of each system is studied comparatively depending on building heights and height-to-width aspect ratios. More efficient system selection and design optimisation can substantially contribute to constructing sustainable built environments by saving building materials produced from our limited resources.