Braced Tube Structures for Complex-Shaped Tall Buildings

Abstract

Braced tubes, which carry lateral loads by axial actions of the perimeter columns and bracings, are very efficient structural systems for tall buildings. This paper investigates structural efficiency of braced tube structures employed for complex-shaped tall buildings, such as twisted, tilted and tapered towers. For each complex form category, tall buildings are designed with braced tube systems, and their structural efficiency is studied in conjunction with building forms. In order to investigate the impacts of various important geometric configurations of complex-shaped tall buildings, parametric models are generated using appropriate computer programs, and the models are exported to structural engineering software for design and analyses. Based on the study results, structural efficiency of braced tubes for each complex form category is estimated.