How skyscrapers are built to last

Image source: businessinsider.com

It’s always an awe-inspiring experience to just look at a skyscraper and marvel at its presence, says Reddy Kancharla. Because they serve as a symbol of greatness for the community, these are also built to last many years.

How do civil engineers build them to last? Here are some key elements:

1. Tube systems

Over the years, tube systems have evolved with a number of innovations here and there. The really tall skyscrapers make use of this technology, and these operate on the principle that, as a building goes higher, it requires a much larger footprint. Also, as you run along its length vertically, the structure tapers off slightly towards the top. Skyscrapers that are sure to last for many years are able to withstand their own weight because these are constructed with wider bases, notes Reddy Kancharla.

2. Sway mechanisms

Very tall buildings generally sway in the wind, which is simple enough to understand with a little knowledge of physics and wind dynamics. In order for a skyscraper’s occupants to feel less of the sway, many skyscrapers are fixed with dampeners installed near the top of the building. These concentric steel plates stacked on top of each other react to the wind by swinging in the opposite direction, at the same frequency as the wind, so that movement is reduced.

3. Cabling systems

Image source: theguardian.com

As beautiful as they are, skyscrapers are primarily a venue where corporate activity needs to thrive, shares Reddy Kancharla. They also need to be able to contribute to the economic pace, rather than become a hindrance to it. A skyscraper won’t be of any help if people complain of long lines on elevators and if these take a lot of time to bring people to their respective floors and work stations. Today, skyscrapers make use of light cabling systems to speed up transport. Elevators are also designed to cater to serving specific floors to avoid delays.

Reddy Kancharla has been involved in many projects over the years. These include various high-rise developments in New York City, the USTA National Tennis Center, Yankee Stadium, the Giants/Jets Stadium, and Terminals 1, 4, 5 and 7 of the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Airport. For more about his work, visit this page.