How skyscrapers are built to last

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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.

A Look at Four of New York’s Most Interesting Skyscrapers

New York is one of the world's most renowned urban centers. Through the years, the city's landscape has changed especially with the addition of new buildings to house businesses and residences. With hundreds of buildings in the city, there are a number of structures that stand out. Here's a look at four of New York's most interesting skyscrapers.

Image source: Time.com

One World Trade Center
One can easily spot this architectural and engineering wonder at the Manhattan skyline. At 1,776 ft., it's impossible to miss this skyscraper. The glass tower, which took the place of the original World Trade Center, fully operates on renewable sources of energy.
Comcast Building
Also known as "30 Rock," this is an art-deco style building that has been financed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in 1939. Architecture fans will marvel at the slender and timeless exterior of the structure. Though most tourists visit the building for a studio tour, people can also check out the intricate and artistic interiors that have been maintained through the years. This building has long been the HQ of the TV network NBC that broadcasts shows like "30 Rock", "Saturday Night Live," and "Late Night."
Chrysler Building
Before the Empire State Building became the tallest skyscraper in 1930, the Chrysler Building was the holder of the title. Aside from being one of the earliest skyscrapers, the structure was known for its art deco-style just like other New York landmarks built in the ‘30s. However, in the eyes of many, it may not be the tallest skyscraper, but it remains to be an elegant and historical sight that enriches the view of New York.
Empire State Building
For 41 years, the building held the title of being the tallest in the world. Many structures have surpassed the Empire State, but it remains to be one of the most popular skyscrapers in the world. But just like its contemporaries, it followed an art deco-style that it maintained up to this day. In a crowded skyline, the classic sight completes the NYC view. It is a familiar sight in movies and other forms of pop culture. When it comes to noteworthy landmarks in New York, this building will never be missed.
In the coming years, new skyscrapers will rise in New York. Though these buildings have admirable features that will surely contribute to the beauty of the city, these four timeless buildings have played a huge part in the history of New York City.

Image source: Wikimedia.org

Reddy Kancharla has extensive knowledge of engineering theories and principles, practical solutions to engineering problems related to civil engineering and construction industry, and developing quality systems in the construction industry per various codes and standards. For more civil engineering-related posts, follow this Twitter page.

Did You Know: Fun Facts About The Empire State Building

An iconic structure in New York and of the USA in general, the Empire State building was once the world’s tallest skyscraper. It was constructed for that very purpose: to win the race to erect the tallest building on Earth. But it was not all hubris; this much-visited landmark has become a symbol of western culture, featured in various films and countless photographs.

Interestingly, the building broke ground at the height of the Great Depression in the early 1930s. While the rest of the country was reeling, New York was booming. It took just over a year to construct, and by the time it was inaugurated on the first of May in 1931, it bested the original two projects vying for the title of tallest: the Chrysler and the Bank of Manhattan buildings.

Image source: nydailynews.com

For almost 40 years, the Empire State Building wore the crown, looming at 1,250 feet over Midtown Manhattan. It would relinquish the title only in 1970, with the completion of the first World Trade Center tower. The Empire State building takes up an entire city block, and even has its own zip code.

Art Deco, very popular at that time, was the design inspiration, and the idea is to make the building resemble a pencil. Architect William Lamb modeled it after two earlier structures: the Reynolds Building in North Carolina and the Carew Tower in Cincinnati. These two buildings are now often cited as the Empire State’s architectural ancestors.

Image source: ny.curbed.com

Reddy Kancharla has more than 25 years of experience in civil construction and geotechnical consultation. Currently based in Briarcliff Manor, he obtained his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Osmania University in Hyderabad, India and his master's degree from Texas Tech University at Lubbock. For more on his work and interests, check out this webpage.