Robustness in Tall Buildings: Earth, Wind & Fire

The aim of this paper is to introduce some of the key concepts in enhancing the robustness of tall buildings. The overarching objective of such a process should be the development of sensible hazard scenarios and realistic acceptance criteria to ensure cost-effective and sustainable design. Due to the complex structural behaviour exhibited, both in loading and response, under common identified hazards some degree of simplification is inevitable so it is important that any hazards considered are treated within a common performance based design framework.

An overview is presented of a design framework in which the performance of buildings under accidental and extreme events can be assessed. A range of analysis techniques is available to the engineer;which technique is chosen depends on the complexity and nature of the building, the specific hazards that the building will be subjected to and the degree of conservatism that can be tolerated in ensuring the robustness of that particular building. Some of the detailed assessment procedures available for such buildings under certain specific hazards within the framework are discussed.