Abstract
Tall Buildings have been one of the most prominent symbols of economic growth for nearly a century. Yet, in the aftermath of the tragedies of September 11, "signature" Tall buildings have become the focus of much debate. The structural systems today are undergoing a major evolution to address the ability of providing flexibility in the design and use of the building together with sustainability (Green) and cost-effective system. This paper describes a new invented structural system, evolutionary structural analysis and design of Tall buildings, which involves the entire analysis process, including conceptual and design stages and comparison with the existing Tall building. This study presents an new innovative structural system, Beehive (Hexagrid), for Tall buildings. The final results are achieved by modeling an 80 story Tall building with the optimized angle and topology of hexagon members by using a computer analysis, ETABS finite element analysis. The objective function of this system is to use one structural system in order to both maximize Eigen frequency for resisting dynamic responses and minimize mean compliance for static responses. Finite element analysis is carried out by using standardized materials. Optimal Hexagrid topologies with the highest stiffness are finally determined to resist both static and dynamic behaviors. Holistic design integration approaches between structures and facades to save energy for environmental control are studied. Innovative design ideas to control structural motion as well as to utilize that motion to harness energy are discussed. Considering abundant emergence of tall buildings all over the world in recent years, the importance of the studies presented in this paper cannot be overemphasized for constructing more sustainable built environments.