High-rise design and the use of high strength steel

High-rise design involves a delicate balancing act of meeting the aspirations of the client, architect, regulatory authorities and the myriad of other design professionals working on the scheme. This balancing act often means that the main structural elements providing stability to the building need to be sized to minimise their impact on the building. It is in these situations that the structural engineer starts to consider the use of high strength steel (355 N/mm2 and greater) to help achieve his/her goals. This paper explores the main drivers in the design of high-rise buildings, the common lateral and vertical load carrying systems adopted and the important role high strength steels can play to make the buildings feasible. The paper will use a number of case studies from WSP’s extensive portfolio of tall building projects in the United States, United Kingdom and Asia. In each case, the key design considerations will be explored and the important benefits realised by the use of high strength steel, microalloyed with elements such as niobium, explained. (AU) Copyright © 2015 Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM) All rights reserved