High-rise Buildings Research Articles

Analysis of Wind Response of Braced and Unbraced Tall Building

As high-rise buildings become increasingly prevalent worldwide, their complex structural components and the need for high stability pose challenges for safety and design requirements. The present study investigates the influence of bracing systems and plan aspect ratios on the ability of tall buildings to withstand wind loads. The study aims to analyze the effects of these variables on the wind-induced responses of tall buildings and improve bracing system design for structures with high aspect ratios. Numerical simulations using finite element analysis software are conducted, creating various building models with different aspect ratios and bracing systems. The displacement, drift, base shear responses and time period of each model are examined to evaluate the effectiveness of different bracing systems. The results highlight the significant impact of aspect ratio on the response to wind loads, with larger aspect ratios experiencing greater motion and stress. However, well-designed bracing systems prove effective in reducing wind-induced motion and stress. The study provides insights on best bracing system for different aspect ratios, offering valuable insights for creating safer and more resilient high-rise buildings.

Review on Fragility Analysis of Building Structure in Seismic Prone Area

In general, using a steel bracing system is the most effective choice for enhancing the resistance of reinforced concrete frames to lateral loads. Steel bracing offers notable advantages over other methods, including greater strength and stiffness, cost-effectiveness, a smaller footprint, and minimal additional weight on existing structures. Both empirical and analytical fragility curves have been taken into account. Strengthening seismically deficient reinforced concrete frames with steel bracing systems is a practical solution for improving earthquake resilience. Nearly all structural analysis software, such as ETABS and SAP2000, supports linear and nonlinear static analysis for high-rise structures. Key parameters include fragility curves, the P-Δ effect, base shear, lateral displacement, axial force, and story drift, among others. The findings showed that bracing systems significantly reduce lateral displacement in frames. Fragility curves were developed based on peak ground acceleration (PGA) for various limit states—slight, moderate, major, and collapse-assuming a lognormal distribution. This study aims to develop analytical fragility curves for high-rise building structures.

An Integrated Approach to Green and Bioclimatic Design in High-Rise Mixed-Use Buildings: A Case Study of Green Skyscrapers

Urbanization has led to challenges such as resource strain and environmental degradation, prompting the need for innovative solutions. High-rise mixed-use developments offer a way to maximize land use efficiency, but traditional designs often neglect green spaces, leading to energy inefficiency and a lack of connection with nature. This paper discusses the role of plants, integration of plants and bioclimatic design principles in addressing urban challenges. This study explores the integration of plants and bioclimatic design principles in high-rise mixed-use developments. This paper also explains the fundamental principles and design considerations for high-rise buildings, focusing on structural systems, earthquake resistance, and wind load effects. In conclusion, integrating plants and bioclimatic design principles in high-rise mixed-use developments is important for creating sustainable and livable urban environments. By prioritizing green spaces and sustainable design practices, developers can contribute to a greener skyline and a more sustainable future.

Comparative Analysis of Seismic Design Standards for Structures and Safety Standards for High-rise Concrete Building Structures

The core of this study is the comparative analysis of I S. 1893 (Part One): 2016 Edition (Code for Seismic Design of Structures) and I S. 16700:2017 (Code for Safety of High rise Concrete Building Structures). In addition, the study aims to uncover the key factors that contribute to poor performance of buildings in earthquakes, with the aim of improving the safety performance of structures in earthquakes in the future. As a research case, we selected a specific reinforced concrete moment shelving frame (SMRF) building at Jabalpur Airport. The building structure was modeled and analyzed using SAPpro V20i software. According to software calculations, we obtained the time history analysis results of the structure in two directions and ensured that they comply with the two Indian standards mentioned above. Subsequently, by comparing the structural responses under the two standards, we evaluated the significant differences in foundation shear force, displacement, and mass participation. The research results indicate that compared to I S. 1893 (Part One): 2016, following I S. The performance of the 16700:2017 structure in earthquakes is relatively poor.

Advancements in Lightweight Artificial Aggregates: Typologies, Compositions, Applications, and Prospects for the Future

Currently, the environment and its natural resources face many issues related to the depletion of natural resources, in addition to the increase in environmental pollution resulting from uncontrolled waste disposal. Therefore, it is crucial to identify practical and effective ways to utilize these wastes, such as transforming them into environmentally friendly concrete. Artificial lightweight aggregates (ALWAs) are gaining interest because of their shift in focus from natural aggregates. Researchers have developed numerous ALWAs to eliminate the need for natural aggregates. This article explores the diverse applications of ALWAs across different industries. ALWAs are currently in the research phase due to various limitations compared to the availability of the various natural aggregates that form more durable solutions. However, researchers have discovered that certain artificial aggregates prioritize weight over strength, allowing for the effective use of ALWAs in applications like pavements. We thoroughly studied the various ALWAs discussed in this article and found that fly ash and construction waste are the most diverse sources of primary material for ALWAs. However, the production of these aggregates also presents challenges in terms of processing and optimization. This article’s case study reveals that ALWAs, consisting of 80% fly ash, 5% blast-furnace slag, and only 15% cement, can yield a sustainable solution. In the single- and double-step palletization, the aggregate proved to be less environmentally harmful. Additionally, the production of ALWAs has a reduced carbon footprint due to the recycling of various waste materials, including aggregates derived from fly ash, marble sludge, and ground granulated blast-furnace slag. Despite their limited mechanical strength, the aggregates exhibit superior performance, making them suitable for use in high-rise buildings and landscapes. Researchers have found that composition plays a key role in determining the application-based properties of aggregates. This article also discusses environmental and sustainability considerations, as well as future trends in the LWA field. Simultaneously, recycling ALWAs can reduce waste and promote sustainable construction. However, this article discusses and researches the challenges associated with the production and processing of ALWAs.

Influence of Wind Direction on Fire Spread on High-Rise Building Facades

In order to study the influence of wind direction on fire spread on building facades, a three-dimensional model of a high-rise building was built with PyroSim software. Numerical simulations were conducted with five wind directions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135° and 180°) and a reference wind speed of 3 m/s. The results show that the fire spread on the building facade was most significant on the leeward side, followed by the upwind condition. The horizontal spread of fire was promoted by crosswinds at 45°, 90° and 135°, while its vertical spread was inhibited. Among these, the inhibitory effect of the 45° crosswind was the greatest. The fire spread area under the leeward condition was the greatest at approximately 341.3 m2, accounting for 17.1% of the facade, and the vertical spread velocity under the condition of no wind was the fastest at 0.075 m/s. In this study, the motion characteristics of facade fire spread under different wind directions were determined, providing supporting evidence to enhance fire safety prevention and control measures in high-rise buildings.

A fire risk pre-warning framework for high-rise buildings based on unascertained method

The growing global interest in preventing and controlling fires in high-rise buildings reflects the increasing significance of this issue today. This research aims to establish an early warning framework for fire risk in high-rise buildings. Firstly, considering the importance of a scientific indicator system for the application of the model, this study combines the event analysis method with the building design fire code to identify 11 key risk factors that have a far-reaching impact on the prevention of fires in high-rise buildings. Based on identifying the risk factors, a high-rise building fire risk warning tree is also established, which scientifically solves the problem of the indicator system of the warning object. Subsequently, in response to the various complex issues arising from the uncertainty of fire occurrence in high-rise buildings, this study adopts the unascertained method to model the fire risk of high-rise buildings for early warning. In addition, the developed methodology was empirically validated through case studies and analyses of empirical data on fire risks in nine representative high-rise buildings. The results of the unascertained method were also compared with the results of the K-means method, from which it was concluded that the unascertained method can predict building fires more accurately. The research results provide a reliable decision support system for fire disaster prevention and control in high-rise buildings.

Geo-Fenced Aerial Fire Response System

Purpose: We aim to create a prototype of a fire extinguisher drone equipped with advanced geo-fencing technology explicitly designed for use in high-rise buildings. This drone will be capable of both ground movement and flight, allowing it to quickly navigate narrow spaces and difficult-to-reach areas. Methodology: The study involves an in-depth analysis of various drones, features, and geo-fencing to develop a prototype for precise and targeted fire suppression. The aim is to minimize the damage caused by fires and improve overall safety by enabling swift intervention, particularly in confined or elevated locations where traditional firefighting methods may face challenges. Findings: The prototype drone, equipped with geo-fencing capabilities, has demonstrated its ability to be efficiently deployed within specific, pre-defined areas, significantly improving its precision and effectiveness in targeted fire suppression. This feature ensures that the drone operates only within designated zones, reducing the risk of interference or wandering into unsafe areas. The drone is controlled remotely, allowing it to fly freely and access hard-to-reach locations quickly. A small surveillance camera mounted on the drone enhances its effectiveness by providing real-time visuals of the fire's location and intensity. This capability allows operators to assess the situation more accurately and deploy the necessary response measures, making the drone a powerful tool for modern firefighting operations. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The findings from this prototype provide valuable insights that can shape the future of fire response mechanisms and drone designs. The drones can target fires while minimizing risks to firefighting personnel, and they can potentially revolutionize emergency response strategies. The ability to remotely control drones, equipped with geo-fencing and surveillance capabilities, reduces the need for human intervention in dangerous situations and improves the speed and accuracy of fire suppression efforts. Furthermore, this technology can be applied to detect and combat wildfires, helping to minimize their destructive impact by enabling quicker detection and targeted responses in remote or difficult-to-access areas. These advancements pave the way for safer and more efficient firefighting methods in the future.

Buildings as Batteries

Aggregators are increasingly using portfolios of various end-user resources such as local renewable generation, batteries, EVs, and demand-side management to participate in the electricity markets as virtual power plants. Whilst the smart control of energy within buildings is well established for cost optimization, the prospect of an aggregator collaborating with the energy managers of buildings to trade electricity in the wholesale markets is under researched. This paper uses a state-of-the-art architectural simulator to model the thermal inertia of a typical high-rise building in London and represent the thermodynamics of its hourly occupancy and weather responses. The building is simulated as a virtual battery by manipulating the HVAC settings. Price arbitrage on the electricity wholesale market and contracting with the local distribution network for flexible reserve services are both feasible and profitable. It is concluded that aggregators can apparently use buildings as additional assets within their trading portfolios. JEL Classification: L85 and L94.

Prediction and visualization of 3D wake field of a rectangular high-rise building in tropical island cities based on UAV measurements

It is especially crucial to utilize measured data as samples to increase the accuracy of wind field prediction. However, scarce wake field measured data of high-rise buildings leads to the deviation between prediction results and the actual wake distribution. In this study, a six-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle wind measurement system (UAVWMS) equipped with an anemometer is used to measure the wake field of a rectangular high-rise building in a tropical island city, and the characteristics of fluctuating wind velocity spectra and distribution patterns of the wind velocity and turbulence intensity in the wake region are analyzed; the Kriging method is adopted to predict and visualize the three-dimensional (3D) wake field based on the measured data from UAVWMS. The results show that the exponential law is better than the logarithmic law in fitting the incoming wind velocity profile in the tropical island city. The measured points in the wake region, located near the central axis of the building, exhibit a pronounced reduction in wind velocity and an increase in turbulence intensity compared to those in the incoming region. Compared to the incoming wind velocity spectra and empirical spectra, the peak frequencies of wake wind velocity spectra shift to the high-frequency band. In addition, the wake wind velocity spectra are lower in the low-frequency band and higher in the high-frequency band. When designing a measured scheme based on UAVWMS, it's crucial to place measured points surrounding the target spatial wake field as much as possible. It helps enhance the accuracy of predicting wind parameters within the 3D spatial wake field. The research results provide a theoretical reference for the measurement, prediction and visualization of the wake field of high-rise buildings in dense urban buildings.

Proportional distribution pattern and modal principle of tuned viscous mass dampers for multi-degree-of-freedom structures

A tuned viscous mass damper (TVMD) is an inerter-based damper that has been adopted in several high-rise buildings in earthquake-prone Japan recently to protect the structures from seismic-induced vibrations. However, as a TVMD contains a mass element, it adds degrees of freedom to the controlled structure, making the system’s eigenmodes complex. Inspired by the Rayleigh damping matrix, this study proposes a mass-proportionally distributed TVMD (MPD-TVMD) system, which enhances the efficiency of TVMD utilization compared to the previously proposed stiffness-proportionally distributed TVMD (SPD-TVMD) system. It is theoretically proven in this study that when the arrangements of the TVMDs are proportional to the stiffness or mass distribution of the primary structure, the equations of motion of a TVMD controlled shear building can be decomposed into the eigenmodes of the uncontrolled structure. This modal principle allows structural engineers to estimate the response of the controlled structure by understanding the modal characteristics of the uncontrolled system, which is highly beneficial for preliminary design decisions and the retrofitting of existing structures. Furthermore, given that the damping properties at each story level are typically adjusted by the number of dampers installed, it is often unrealistic in practical design to maintain strict proportionality in damper distribution. Through numerical examples, this study demonstrates that TVMD systems with realistic distribution patterns that are slightly different from a strictly proportional distribution can still perform as effectively as strictly proportional systems, providing a comprehensive design basis for the application of inerter-based damper in practical engineering.

Comparative Study of Tube-In-Tube and Bundled Tube System in High Rise Buildings

This study evaluates the seismic performance of Tube-in-Tube and Bundled Tube structural systems for high-rise buildings, following IS 1893 standards. Key parameters, including storey displacement, drift, and shear, were assessed in Seismic Zones 3 and 5. In Seismic Zone 5, the Bundled Tube system reduces storey displacement by about 33% compared to the Tube-in-Tube system. Similarly, in Seismic Zone 3, displacements are lowered by 21-24%. The Tube-in-Tube system exhibits higher storey drift, particularly in Seismic Zone 5, where the Bundled Tube system offers a remarkable 85% reduction. In Seismic Zone 3, this reduction ranges from 45-50%. In terms of storey shear, the Bundled Tube system consistently outperforms the Tube-in-Tube system, reducing shear forces by 24-30% across both seismic zones. Overall, the Bundled Tube system proves to be more effective under seismic conditions, minimizing displacements, drifts, and shear forces, making it the superior choice for high-rise structures in earthquake-prone regions. This improvement in performance contributes to safer structural designs in compliance with IS 1893 standards.

Automated Cloud Shadow Detection from Satellite Orthoimages with Uncorrected Cloud Relief Displacements

Clouds and their shadows significantly affect satellite imagery, resulting in a loss of radiometric information in the shadowed areas. This loss reduces the accuracy of land cover classification and object detection. Among various cloud shadow detection methods, the geometric-based method relies on the geometry of the sun and sensor to provide consistent results across diverse environments, ensuring better interpretability and reliability. It is well known that the direction of shadows in raw satellite images depends on the sun’s illumination and sensor viewing direction. Orthoimages are typically corrected for relief displacements caused by oblique sensor viewing, aligning the shadow direction with the sun. However, previous studies lacked an explicit experimental verification of this alignment, particularly for cloud shadows. We observed that this implication may not be realized for cloud shadows, primarily due to the unknown height of clouds. To verify this, we used Rapideye orthoimages acquired in various viewing azimuth and zenith angles and conducted experiments under two different cases: the first where the cloud shadow direction was estimated based only on the sun’s illumination, and the second where both the sun’s illumination and the sensor’s viewing direction were considered. Building on this, we propose an automated approach for cloud shadow detection. Our experiments demonstrated that the second case, which incorporates the sensor’s geometry, calculates a more accurate cloud shadow direction compared to the true angle. Although the angles in nadir images were similar, the second case in high-oblique images showed a difference of less than 4.0° from the true angle, whereas the first case exhibited a much larger difference, up to 21.3°. The accuracy results revealed that shadow detection using the angle from the second case improved the average F1 score by 0.17 and increased the average detection rate by 7.7% compared to the first case. This result confirms that, even if the relief displacement of clouds is not corrected in the orthoimages, the proposed method allows for more accurate cloud shadow detection. Our main contributions are in providing quantitative evidence through experiments for the application of sensor geometry and establishing a solid foundation for handling complex scenarios. This approach has the potential to extend to the detection of shadows in high-resolution satellite imagery or UAV images, as well as objects like high-rise buildings. Future research will focus on this.

Analysis of G+20 Horizontally Connected Buildings with and Without Fluid Viscous Dampers

As urban populations continue to grow globally, the demand for new cities and high-rise structures is increasing due to limited land resources and expanding social and commercial activities. To address these challenges, this study investigates the seismic performance of G+20 horizontally connected buildings, focusing on the effects of fluid viscous dampers (FVDs) on structural response. A 3D model of two G+20 buildings, one with and one without FVDs, was developed using ETABS software, and seismic analysis was conducted for a Zone V seismic region in India. The study evaluates key performance parameters, including storey displacement, storey drift, and storey shear, to assess the effectiveness of the dampers. Results showed that adding FVDs significantly reduced overall building displacement, particularly in the X-direction at the top storey, with a reduction of approximately 40%. The Y-direction saw a more modest 5% reduction, attributed to geometric and stiffness irregularities. Additionally, storey drifts in the X-direction were higher than in the Y-direction but were significantly reduced after installing dampers. The findings highlight the importance of FVDs in improving the seismic resilience of horizontally connected high-rise buildings and offer valuable insights for future structural design in earthquake prone areas.

Hybrid structural systems for timber high-rise buildings

Hybrid structural systems for timber high-rise buildings

Intelligent Monitoring and Visualization System for High Building Nighttime Utilization Based on Image Processing.

The rise of complex high-rise buildings has made building management increasingly challenging, especially the nighttime supervision of university laboratories. Idle occupation increases the risk of accidents and undermines campus sustainability. Effective occupancy detection is essential for optimizing campus building safety and energy efficiency. Environmental sensors for occupancy detection offer limited coverage and are costly, making them unsuitable for campuses. Surveillance cameras, as part of campus infrastructure, provide wide coverage. On this basis, we designed a detection algorithm that uses light brightness to assess nighttime building use. Experimental results showed that the algorithm achieves an average accuracy of 98.67%, enabling large-scale nighttime occupancy detection without the need for installing additional sensors, significantly improving the efficiency of campus building management. In addition, to address the limitations of indoor space representation in geographic information system (GIS) management models, this paper developed a comprehensive 3D GIS model based on a "building-floor-room" hierarchical structure, utilizing oblique photogrammetry and laser scanning technology. This study combined the detection results with real-world 3D data for visualization, providing a new perspective for the 3D spatiotemporal refinement of complex high-rise buildings, and providing a reference framework for the detection and analysis of other types of building environments.

Database Analysis of Long-Term Settlement Behavior of Pile Foundations in Shanghai Soft Coastal Clays

A database of 195 field records of long-term settlement of high-rise buildings in Shanghai soft coastal clays is presented. The collected field records are divided into two categories based on pile type, i.e., bored pile and precast pile. Based on the settlement recorders collected, the long-term settlement behavior and settlement duration of the pile foundations in soft coastal clays are investigated. The statistical results show that the pile foundation in Shanghai soft coastal clays can be divided into three kinds of site conditions by considering the pile length and variation of long-term deformation behavior. Prediction models based on the power function are proposed to calculate the normalized final settlement for both bored pile and precast pile foundations. Based on the statistical results, the average normalized final settlement (settlement per floor), average settlement ratio (final settlement to the settlement when the superstructure is completed), and average settlement duration in the three site conditions for both bored pile and precast pile foundations are given. Additionally, an exponential settlement prediction model that can accurately forecast the entire settlement and post-construction settlement characteristics of buildings in Shanghai’s soft soil area is proposed. These statistical results can be referred to the preliminary foundation design works, which contribute to the quick evaluation of the possible settlement range, settlement ratio, and settlement duration of the proposed building constructed in the soft coastal clay area in Shanghai.

High-Precision Monitoring during the Installation of Large Steel Structures by UAV Nap-of-the-Object Photogrammetry

Abstract. This paper proposes and validates a method based on UAV nap-of-the-object photogrammetry for refined 3D digital modeling to achieve high-precision monitoring during the installation of large steel structures, offering a comparative analysis with traditional oblique photogrammetry methods. Through field tests and data processing on the steel structure of a sports stadium in Zhejiang Province, the results demonstrate that nap-of-the-object photogrammetry can capture high-resolution images, offering significant advantages in detail representation and modeling of complex structures. Experimental data reveal that the model's root mean square error (RMSE) generated by nap-of-the-object photogrammetry is 14.56mm, markedly lower than the 51.99mm achieved by traditional methods, meeting the Level II accuracy standard specified in the "Technical Specifications for Nap-of-the-Object Photogrammetry." The study further shows that, when combined with optimized flight path planning, nap-of-the-object photogrammetry enhances both the efficiency and accuracy of data collection while improving operational safety. This technique is highly applicable and flexible, making it suitable for data acquisition of complex structures and high-rise buildings. In summary, the proposed method exhibits significant advantages in terms of accuracy, efficiency, safety, and applicability, providing a practical solution for high-precision, comprehensive digital modeling of large steel structures.

Understanding human-obstacle interaction dynamics on staircases: Implications for emergency evacuation and fire safety in high-rise buildings

Interactions between system components, including human-obstacle, human-building, human-robot, and human-human, significantly impact public safety, system efficiency, and functionality. A deeper understanding of these systems is essential to enhance their resilience and effectiveness. Despite the significance of these interactions, empirical research is limited, particularly regarding behavioral mechanisms when interacting with obstacles on stairways. Our study examines the evacuation behavior of 90 evacuees on the staircase of a high-rise building under different temporary obstacle conditions to understand how key factors affect decision-making and motion behavior during stairway descent. The experiments considered obstacle shapes as control variables and analyzed evacuation time, inner and outer stair route choices, regional speed fluctuations, velocity-relative displacement, evacuation efficiency, and biomechanical analysis of occupants’ comfort. Results show that larger obstacle shapes, increased evacuation urgency time, and closer proximity to the wall lead to a higher proportion of the splitting to merging state before and after obstacle interaction. A strong inner stair route preference emerges in no-obstacle conditions, with significant mean speed differences in downward movements when encountering temporary obstacle. Three phases of average speed variations are observed: deceleration, acceleration, and continued deceleration for the outer route; and deceleration followed by uniform speed for the inner route. A method was developed to calculate regional speed fluctuation using average speeds from trajectories. Comfort analysis revealed that temporary obstacle on building stairways significantly impact safe evacuation. Overall, these findings enhance the understanding of crowd dynamics in high-rise building emergency evacuations, with implications for model development, architectural design, building operations, emergency preparedness, behavioral cognition, and fire safety.

Effect of Soil-Structure Interaction on A Building Frame with Shear Walls

The soil conditions highly influence the damage to structures throughout earthquakes. Hence the research on the energy transfer mechanism from soils to buildings during earthquakes is demanding area of study for the high-rise buildings. For the current study, reinforced concrete frames of G+15 stories with shear walls in the buildings were modeled using ANSYS software. The effect of soil-structure interactions was considered as well. Transient analysis was performed on the three-dimensional frames with shear walls subjected to seismic loading were gauged for the contrast in natural frequency, base shear, roof deflection and Storey drifts. The analysis of results indicates that the behaviour of the structure is very much dependent on the natural frequency of the structure.