Form and Structure

Iconic high-rise buildings are recognized for their distinctive architectural forms and shapes which draws many challenges for the structural engineers. These challenges include the forces created in such structures, the materials needed to achieve acceptable performance of the structures, and ductile connections design for seismic and wind forces. How to develop a structural system to overcome the above and at the same time satisfying the architectural form seamlessly is another major task. Through the introduction of Thornton Tomasetti’s previous and current projects, this presentation recognizes ways form can be used for structural benefit, identifies ways to minimize wind and seismic loads on the buildings, and help the audience to understand how material properties influence structural system selection.