Overall Strategy and Features of the Structural System
I would like to hide the framing elements on both the outside and inside of the building. I want my building to have a clean appearance, which can be more visually appealing to occupants and passersby. Moreover, I think exposed framing can pose a safety hazard if it is not properly protected or covered. For example, sharp edges or protruding elements can cause injury to people or damage to property. By concealing the framing elements, the risk of injury or damage can be reduced. Therefore, I put interior - 4 ⅞’’ partition (1hr) walls around to hide all steel columns.
Another of my strategy is to keep the structural system as simple as possible. I tried to keep the distance between grid lines to be around 10 to 30 ft. Columns were placed at almost every grid intersection. Beams at vertical shaft spaces such as the staircases, elevator, and central atrium are removed to prevent obstruction to access or view. Also, I designed a sloping beam system to support the structure of the sloped roof.
Overall Structure System:
The Material and Framing System Selected
I decided to use steel structural framing systems. Steel is an incredibly strong and durable material, which makes it an ideal material for supporting structures and resisting forces such as wind and earthquakes. Also, it is also resistant to fire, insects, and rot, which can extend the lifespan of the structure and reduce maintenance costs. Last but not least, I would plan to use 100% recycled steel for the framing of my building, which reduces its environmental impact and makes it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
- W-shapes - 10x49 steel column
- W-shapes - 12x26 steel beam
- 1’ precast concrete slab
- Rectangular concrete footing (72’’x 48’’x 18’’)
The beams were lowered to 1’ to accommodate the floors:
The Locations of Structural Columns and Major Framing Elements
The structural framing was chosen so that it interfered as little as possible with the interior layout and function of the building. In terms of spacing, a maximum span length of 30’ was selected. As seen by the structural plan, almost no columns were placed in the corridor. I think they can obstruct the flow of pedestrian traffic and make the space feel more cramped and confined.
Level 1 Structural Plan:
Level 2 Structural Plan:
Level 3 Structural Plan:
Level 1 exhibit:
Level 1 corridor:
Level 1 stair:
Level 2 corridor:
Level 2 exhibit:
Level 3 exhibit:
Structural Challenges
The extra load from the roof garden on the two-story structure might require larger and stronger structural elements than currently modeled. Also, I used a 1’ precast concrete floor with high thermal resistance to reduce heat loss through the floor, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing the amount of energy needed for heating. However, they also compromise the accessible ceiling height to a certain extent. Lastly, in my architectural model, I used a floor type of Steel Bar Joist 14’’ -VCT on Concrete with an R-value of 82 ft2·°F·h/BTU. I can’t find this floor type in my structural model.