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The secret of high-rise buildings: Why do "tubular structures" become the core of modern skyscrapers?
In skyscraper design, the "tubular structure" is undoubtedly one of the most revolutionary concepts. This structural system excels in resisting lateral loads (such as wind, earthquakes, etc.), allowing skyscrapers to face the challenges of nature. This article will explore the origins of this structure, how it works, and why it plays an integral role in modern architecture.
Concept of tubular structure
The idea for the tubular structure was to design the building as a cantilevered hollow cylinder, perpendicular to the ground. This design enables the building to effectively resist lateral loads from all sides. In this system, the building's perimeter is made up of closely spaced columns that are interconnected by deep beams to form a strong, rigid frame.
This combined effect allows the perimeter frame to carry all lateral loads, and reduces the internal structure to a load-bearing system that resists gravity loads only.
In addition, the number of internal columns in a tubular structure is relatively small and is usually located in the core of the building. This not only maximizes the effectiveness of the surrounding tubular structure, but also increases its ability to resist rollover caused by lateral loads.
History of Tubular Structures
The concept of tubular structure was first proposed by Fazlur Rahman Hahn, a structural engineer from Bangladesh, and was first developed in the 1960s at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in Chicago. Implemented. Hahn used the surroundings of his hometown as inspiration for the structure.His hometown of Dhaka had no buildings taller than three stories, and it wasn't until he was 21 that he saw his first skyscraper.
In 1966, the first building to use a tubular structure, the DeWitt-Chestnut Apartment Building, was completed in Chicago, paving the way for many subsequent skyscrapers, including the John Hancock Center and the Sears Tower. Sta et al.
Variations of tubular structures
As the concept of tubular structure took shape, designers began to change it according to different structural requirements, forming various variants.
Frame type tubular structure
This is the most basic form of tubular structure, which can adopt different plane shapes such as square, rectangular, circular, etc. The DeWitt-Chestnut Apartment Building was the first demonstration of this design.
Supported or trussed tubular structure
In addition to the outer columns, this type of structure is also supported by steel or concrete shear walls to maintain the stability of the structure while reducing the outer columns. The John Hancock Center is a typical example.
Core and peripheral structure
Some buildings have a core duct inside, usually to carry elevators and other facilities, while the outer structure mainly bears gravity and lateral loads.
Bundled tubular structure
This structural type is made up of multiple tubes that resist lateral loads and can create a variety of flexible architectural appearances. Buildings such as Willis Tower and Newport Tower use this design.
Conclusion
The innovative thinking of the tubular structure not only provides strong structural support, but also demonstrates superiority in economic benefits and space utilization. As skyscraper design continues to evolve, we can't help but ask: How will future skyscrapers break through existing designs and make city skylines more creative and dynamic?
