Applications of high strength concrete in highrise buildings

Abstract

High strength concrete can be used in high-rise buildings to minimise the size of columns, especially in the lower floors. High strength concrete has the added advantage of a higher elastic modulus that can reduce the deflection. It also has a lower specific creep that makes it possible to use higher stresses associated with high strength concrete. It is shown by a case study that the use of high strength concrete can reduce the cost of construction in Sri Lanka with the currently prevailing prices of concrete and steel. There is also the added advantage to the owners of the building in getting a higher rentable area resulting from reduced member sizes. The use of slender members can make the structure more flexible. However, it is shown that the use of high strength concrete in columns will not adversely increase the wind induced accelerations of the building since the reduction in column size is compensated by the higher modulus of elasticity.