In the field of architectural design, tubular structural systems have attracted widespread attention for their excellent wind and earthquake resistance.This type of structure can enable column-free design of buildings up to 50 floors, greatly improving the flexibility and availability of space, and becoming one of the important directions for the construction of modern skyscrapers.

Concept of tubular system

The core concept of tubular systems is that it utilizes the rigidity of the peripheral structure to effectively resist lateral loads such as wind and earthquakes.This design method allows the building's periphery to be in a hollow cylinder shape and forms a powerful structural frame through interconnected outer columns.

"Tubular structures can effectively transmit gravity load to the peripheral structure, increasing the load-bearing capacity while making the internal space more open."

These tightly arranged pillars and deep span beams are rigidly connected to form a solid frame, making them a stable structural system.In contrast, the number of internal columns is relatively small and mainly concentrated in the core position, which greatly improves the efficiency of space use inside the building.

History of tubular structure

The prototype of the tubular structure first appeared in 1963 and was proposed by structural engineer Fazlure Rahman Khan in Chicago's construction company Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.He defined this structure as a vertical tubular system composed of multiple frames or shear walls to resist lateral forces in various directions.This structure shares the peripheral load, making the internal structure layout more flexible.

"Rahman Khan was inspired by his hometown of Dhaka. He discovered that bamboo could grow stably in a vertical direction with extremely high strength, which prompted him to create a tubular design of tall buildings."

In 1965, the first building with a tubular structure, the DeWitt-Chester Apartment Building, was completed in Chicago. This design concept later influenced many subsequent skyscrapers, including the John Hancock Center and the World Trade Center.

Variants of tubular structure

From its original form, the tubular structure has been improved and changed many times to meet different building needs.Here are some major variants:

Frame tubular structure

This is the simplest form of a tubular system, which can present a variety of planar shapes, such as squares, rectangles and circles.The most famous cases include the Aon Center and the former World Trade Center Tower.

Add a beam or support a tubular structure

This structure reduces the number of external columns when designed and uses steel support or concrete shear walls on the periphery to provide additional stability.Well-known cases include the John Hancock Center and the Citigroup Center.

Cast and core structure

This type of structure includes the internal pipeline core, usually accommodates elevators and other service systems, and has external reinforced pipelines to provide main support.780 Third Avenue is a typical example of such structure.

Bulk tubular structure

These buildings are composed of multiple tubular structures and can effectively resist lateral forces.The famous Willista is the representative of this structure, and this design allows the building to achieve a varied shape without losing its function.

Mixed tubular structure

Mixed structures are a combination of tubular concepts with other structural types, usually used in thin buildings to meet the requirements of strength or stiffness.

Conclusion

The uniqueness of the tubular structure is that it can convert external forces exerted on the building and effectively resist unstable external environment.This design concept is becoming increasingly important as demand for more flexible, efficient and economical buildings rises.In what way will the future skyscrapers continue to break through traditional boundaries? Let's wait and see?

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