Tall Buildings: Structural Systems and Aerodynamic Form

The structural challenges of building 800 metres into the sky are substantial, and include several factors which do not affect low-rise construction. This book focusses on these areas specifically to provide the architectural and structural knowledge which must be taken into account in order to design tall buildings successfully. In presenting examples of steel, reinforced concrete, and composite structural systems for such buildings, it is shown that wind load has a very important effect on the architectural and structural design. The aerodynamic approach to tall buildings is considered in this context, as is earthquake induced lateral loading.

Case studies of some of the world’s most iconic buildings, illustrated with full colour photographs, structural plans and axonometrics, will bring to life the design challenges which they presented to architects and structural engineers. The Empire State Building, the Burj Khalifa, Taipei 101 and the HSB Turning Torso are just a few examples of the buildings whose real-life specifications are used to explain and illustrate core design principles, and their subsequent effect on the finished structure.

Mehmet Halis Günel received his high school education in Ankara, and studied civil engineering at the Middle East Technical University (METU). After graduating in 1982, he continued graduate work at the same university, completing his MSc and PhD degrees in structures in 1984 and 1995 respectively. He worked as an Assistant in the Structural Mechanics Division of the Civil Engineering Department at METU from 1982–1984, and 1986–1989. He also served as Project Manager at Prokon Consultants Company in Ankara from 1989–1991. Since that time, he has been teaching in the Architecture Department at METU and  is currently an Associate Professor. His technical interests comprise reinforced concrete, tall buildings, prefabrication, and structural design in architecture.

Hüseyin Emre Ilgin studied Architecture at METU and after graduating in 2003 he continued graduate work at the same university. He completed his MSc degree and PhD qualifications in building science and architecture in 2006 and 2010 respectively. He has worked in several architectural offices, at Cankaya University as a Scholarship Assistant, and at METU as a part-time instructor. Currently he is working as an Architect at the Ministry of Health in Ankara.