Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Code-Prescribed
In many jurisdictions around the world, tall
buildings are subject to more strict building
code regulations, given their importance and
the greater risk associated with large building
populations. Higher demand levels for wind
and seismic loading are prescribed and/or
stricter performance objectives are required.
For instance, in the United States, buildings
with a calculated population of more than
5,000 people are classified as Occupancy
Category III, which requires that these buildings
consider wind forces and seismic forces equal
to 1.15 and 1.25 times (respectively) the
code-prescribed demands. In addition, many
tall buildings in high seismic zones are
designed using a performance-based
methodology, which more explicitly considers
how a specific building design responds to the
site on which it is located. Finally, many
jurisdictions require detailed design reviews be
performed by independent peer reviewers, also
citing the importance of these structures.
Practical
Given the significance of tall buildings, the
level of experience and sophistication of all
those involved in bringing the building to life
tends to be at the top of the industry. Owners,
developers, architects, engineers and builders
generally executing these projects have
seasoned protocols, mature quality assurance
programs and highly experienced staff.
Extensive site investigations are generally
carried out, including site-specific
characterizations of seismic hazards and wind
demands. Great care and skill is exercised in
the development of the architectural and
engineering systems designs, generally based
on state-of-the-art practices and technologies.
Detailed construction programs, logistics and
protocols are planned and executed. Rigorous
testing and inspection protocols are
developed and carried out. The end result
tends to be a building of much higher quality,
leading to more reliable safety.