Art and Engineering in the Design of Steel Building Structures

Abstract

The art of structural engineering has been described as the efficient, economical, and elegant use of structural materials. The chapter discusses several projects and structural systems, which demonstrate the art of structural engineering as applied to steel buildings. The projects presented include high rise, long span, and special structures and applications. The high rise projects include historical projects, such as the John Hancock Building and the Sears Tower along with the more recently completed projects and potential future structural systems. Structural steel is well suited for long span structures. It is often chosen for special structures and applications. The construction of buildings over active rail centers is an excellent method for capturing prime real estate in urban centers and structural steel responds well in this special application to both the construction challenges and the long span requirements. The recently completed Exchange House in London, UK is an example of this type of structure. Through the presentation and discussion of the aforementioned structural systems and projects, the extensive versatility of structural steel is demonstrated.