Abstract
Engineering structures are designed with observation of rules for structural performance under specific design loads, defined in the so-called structural codes. While dead loads are directly dependent from the selection of structural materials to a given structural function, live and accidental loads are often linked to the region where the structure must perform. In a complete opposition to engineering principles in Ancient Egypt, the inverted pyramid was designed to become a statement of how to bend gravitational laws, and what can be achieved by modern engineering, sill with intelligence to fulfill its function in a region where engineering structures are subjected to extreme live and accidental load regimes, e.g. high risk of earthquakes and high wind seasonal loads. A hybrid structural concept was specified, comprising lightweight structural wall elements anchored to a relatively heavyweight structural core. The suggested design concept fulfills the global equilibrium equation defined by architecture, and should become a structural example from a structural design perspective. As any other project involving non-comprehensive geometry, design and construction of the inverted pyramid is highly sensible to management options, which shall assure high precision manufacturing, and accurate control of its production.
Highlights
Engineering structures are designed with observation of rules for structural performance under specific design loads, defined in the so-called structural codes
While dead loads are directly dependent from the selection of structural materials to a given structural function, live and accidental loads are often linked to the region where the structure must perform
In a complete opposition to engineering principles in Ancient Egypt, the inverted pyramid was designed to become a statement of how to bend gravitational laws, and what can be achieved by modern engineering, sill with intelligence to fulfill its function in a region where engineering structures are subjected to extreme live and accidental load regimes, e.g. high risk of earthquakes and high wind seasonal loads
Summary
Article history Received: March 19, 2021 Revised: May 22, 2021 Accepted: May 28, 2021 Acknowledgements Structural analysis and finite element optimization of our hybrid inverted pyramid was performed by Eng. Filipe Arteiro. The author wishes to kindly acknowledge his effort, shared enthusiasm, and engagement in the project, and in particular his work on optimization of our structural model to this project. The minor engagement by Eng. Jorge Oliveira is kindly acknowledged, in particular the discussion on construction feasibility, and quantity surveying to initiate the tender. Contributions Luís Pedro F R Sarmento Esteves (PhD) – structural design, material selection and project management; Filipe Arteiro (MSc) – structural analysis and finite element optimization; Jorge Oliveira (BSc) – quantity surveyor and construction methods. Inverted pyramid Azores – an eternal hybrid structure.
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