Vertical Double-layer Space Structures in Super-tall Buildings

Double-layer space structures have been widely used as horizontal structures because of their advantages as strong and light-weight structures, but never been used vertically. The author sees the potential of double-layer space structures as a structural system of super-tall buildings. A 100-storey building is modelled and analyses on structural efficiency and integration with architectural and services systems are conducted in order to see the feasibility of their application. The results show that these structures are relatively efficient compared to current tall structural systems. Integration of structural and services systems by positioning the majority of structural and services components in the building perimeter provides more usable area, which leads to building space efficiency. The uniqueness of the structural geometry offers more alternatives in integrated design of building facades, entrances, interior space and complex building geometries.