• International Journal of High-Rise Buildings
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.175-185
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• 2020

Currently, few studies have been conducted to comprehend the seismic reliability of post-tensioned (PT) CLT shear wall structures, due to the complexity of this kind of structural system as well as due to lack of a reliable structural model. In this paper, a set of 4-, 8-, 12-, and 16-storey benchmark PT CLT shear wall structures (PT-CLTstrs) were designed using the direct displacement-based design method, and their calibrated structural models were developed. The seismic reliability of each PT-CLTstr was assessed based on the fragility analysis and based on the response surface method (RSM), respectively. The fragility-based reliability index and the RSM-based reliability index were then compared, for each PT-CLTstr and for each seismic hazard level. Results show that the RSM-based reliabilities are slightly less than the fragility-based reliabilities. Overall, both the RSM and the fragility-based reliability method can be used as efficient approaches for assessing the seismic reliabilities of the PT-CLTstrs. For these studied mid- and high-rise benchmark PT-CLTstrs, following their fragility-based reliabilities, the 8-storey PT-CLTstr is subjected to the least seismic vulnerability; while, following their RSM-based reliabilities, the 4-storey PT-CLTstr is subjected to the least seismic vulnerability

• International Journal of High-Rise Buildings
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.65-73
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• 2015

Detailed finite element (FE) analyses of a full-scale four-story steel frame structure, subjected to consecutive 60% and 100% excitations from the JR Takatori records during the 1995 Hyogoken-Nanbu earthquake, are conducted using E-Simulator. The four-story frame was tested at the largest shake-table facility in the world, E-Defense, in 2007. E-Simulator is a parallel FE analysis software package developed to accurately simulate structural behavior up to collapse by using a fine mesh of solid elements. To reduce computational time in consecutive dynamic time history analyses, static analysis with gravity force is introduced to terminate the vibration of the structure during the analysis of 60% excitation. An overall sway mechanism when subjected to 60% excitation and a story mechanism resulting from local buckling of the first-story columns when subjected to 100% excitation are simulated by using E-Simulator. The story drift response to the consecutive 60% and 100% excitations is slightly smaller than that for the single 100% excitation.

• International Journal of High-Rise Buildings
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.45-55
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• 2015

The rotation capacity of the moment connections could significantly influence on the seismic performance of steel moment resisting frames. Current seismic provisions require that beam-to-column connections in Intermediate Moment Frames (IMF) should have a drift capacity as large as 0.02 radian. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the rotation capacity of moment connections on the seismic performance of high-rise IMFs. For this purpose, thirty- and forty-story high-rise IMFs were designed according to the current seismic design provisions. The seismic performance of designed model frames was evaluated according to FEMA P695. This study showed that the forty-story IMF satisfied the seismic performance objective specified in FEMA P695 when the rotation capacity of the connections was larger than 0.02. However, thirty-story IMFs satisfied the performance objective when the connection rotation capacity is larger than 0.03.

• International Journal of High-Rise Buildings
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.95-103
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• 2016

One of the key problems in the design of high-rise commercial complex is how to guide reasonable pedestrian distribution in commercial space. In this study, pedestrian distribution in three high-rise commercial complexes in Shanghai and Hong Kong was studied using spatial configuration analysis software Space Syntax and quantification of physical elements in commercial spaces, such as functional attractiveness, entrances, escalators, level variations and passage width. Additionally, in an attempt to integrate functions with spatial integration and spatial depth, two combination variables, the spatial coefficient of function (IF) and spatial depth coefficient of function (F/D), were proposed. The results of the correlation analysis and multiple regression analyses reflected the following: (1) Regarding the influence on pedestrian distribution, there was a synergistic and complementary relationship between function and space; (2) The comprehensive flow distribution analytic model could successfully interpret flow distribution in high-rise commercial complexes and its R Square ranged up to about 70% in the three cases; (3) The spatial coefficient of function (IF) and spatial depth coefficient (F/D) could effectively integrate functions and spatial configuration, which could help close the gap between over-emphasis on function in commercial research and the lack of consideration of function in space-syntax analysis.

• International Journal of High-Rise Buildings
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.139-147
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• 2017

Analyzing morphological evolution over a long period of time is deemed an effective way to identify problems occurring in the process of urban development, in addition to achieving a fundamental understanding of socio-cultural changes and growth rooted from the context. As far as the urban morphology is concerned, Hong Kong is characterized by its unique high-density and compact layout patterns, which have aroused the interest of a number of authors in the urban design domain. Whilst an increasing number of redevelopment projects in Hong Kong were criticized for ignoring and destroying the old urban fabric, there is a need for research to investigate the origins and changes of various urban patterns and their implications for society. By employing the theories and techniques of space syntax, this paper accordingly provides a morphological analysis based on the Wanchai District - a 'Segment-line' city, which particularly epitomizes various urban grids of Hong Kong and may have different implications for functional aspects. By axial-mapping the urban layouts of five stages of growth since 1842 and subsequently investigating their spatial and functional transformation over the past 170 years, this paper identifies a series of spatial characteristics underlying different grid patterns, as well as achieves a precise understanding of their ever changing relationship. Based on these understandings, this paper intends to provide valuable reference and guidance for upcoming spatial development in Hong Kong and other regions.

• International Journal of High-Rise Buildings
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.327-332
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• 2017

This paper discusses several topics associated with the densification caused by supertall buildings and their impact on city systems. The paper covers five key areas where a supertall tower creates a concentration of needs and effects. First, the paper comments on population shifts towards the city and how they affect carbon footprint, utilities infrastructure and transport. The effect of single- and mixed-use towers is discussed in the context of population density. The second section brings the issues of transit, accessibility and master planning into focus. The use and criticality of public transport, cycling and walking is described. Servicing and deliveries using freight consolidation and shared systems is also discussed along with their contribution to the culture of sustainable travel. In the third section the paper reflects on supertall buildings' below-ground utilities and drainage provision, particularly the challenges faced in established city infrastructures. The utilities issues associated with supertall concentration (in land-use terms) compared to equivalent low-rise distribution is also commented on in the context of surface water runoff. In the fourth section, the topic of supertall sustainability is discussed and how city systems need to respond to create desirable and affordable space for occupiers. The changing need for vertical communities, 'stacked neighbourhoods' and the notion of a micro-city is described. Finally, the paper considers the energy consumption and resilience of supertall buildings in the context of basic geometry, façade design, climate and mixed-use benefits as they impact city systems.

• International Journal of High-Rise Buildings
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.343-362
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• 2018

A simplified spring connection modelling approach for steel flush endplate beam-to-column connections in fire has been developed to enable realistic behaviour of connections to be incorporated into full-scale frame analyses at elevated temperature. Due to its simplicity and reliability, the proposed approach permits full-scale high-temperature frame analysis to be conducted without high computational cost. The proposed simplified spring connection modelling approach has been used to investigate the influence of connection ductility (both axial and rotational) on frame behaviour in fire. 2D steel and 3D composite frames with a range of beam spans were modelled to aid the understanding of the differences in frame response in fire where the beam-to-column connections have different axial and rotational ductility assumptions. The modelling results highlight that adopting the conventional rigid or pinned connection assumptions does not permit the axial forces acting on the connections to be accurately predicted, since the axial ductility of the connection is completely neglected when the rotational ductility is either fully restrained or free. By accounting for realistic axial and rotational ductilities of beam-to-column connections, the frame response in fire can be predicted more accurately, which is advantageous in performance-based structural fire engineering design.

• Journal of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.91-99
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• 2023

Structural vibration induced by earthquake hazards is one of the most significant concerns in structure performance-based design. Structural hazards evoked from seismic events must be properly identified to make buildings resilient enough to withstand extreme earthquake loadings. To investigate the effects of combined earthquake-resistant systems, shear walls and five types of dampers are incorporated in nineteen structural models by altering their arrangements. All the building models were developed as per ACI 318-14 and ASCE 7-16. Seismic fragility curves were developed from the incremental dynamic analyses (IDA) performed by using seven sets of ground motions, and eventually, by following FEMA P695 provisions, the collapse margin ratio (CMR) was computed from the collapse curves. It is evident from the results that the seismic performance of the proposed combined shear wall-damper system is significantly better than the models equipped with shear walls only. The scrutinized dual seismic resisting system is expected to be applied practically to ensure a multi-level shield for tall structures in high seismic risk zones.

• International Journal of High-Rise Buildings
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.127-154
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• 2020

Disproportionate collapse triggered by local structural failure may cause huge casualties and economic losses, being one of the most critical civil engineering incidents. It is generally recognized that ensuring robustness of a structure, defined as its insensitivity to local failure, is the most acceptable and effective method to arrest disproportionate collapse. To date, the concept of robustness in its definition and quantification is still an issue of controversy. This paper presents a detailed review on about 50 quantitative measures of robustness for building structures, being classified into structural attribute-based and structural performance-based measures (deterministic and probabilistic). The definition of robustness is first described and distinguished from that of collapse resistance, vulnerability and redundancy. The review shows that deterministic measures predominate in quantifying structural robustness by comparing the structural responses of an intact and damaged structure. The attribute-based measures based on structural topology and stiffness are only applicable to elastic state of simple structural forms while the probabilistic measures receive growing interest by accounting for uncertainties in abnormal events, local failure, structural system and failure-induced consequences, which can be used for decision-making tools. There is still a lack of generalized quantifications of robustness, which should be derived based on the definition and design objectives and on the response of a structure to local damage as well as the associated consequences of collapse. Critical issues and recommendations for future design and research on quantification of robustness are provided from the views of column removal scenarios, types of structures, regularity of structural layouts, collapse modes, numerical methods, multiple hazards, degrees of robustness, partial damage of components, acceptable design criteria.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.84-91
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• 2019

For the goal of the proposal for optimum position of offset outrigger system, a structural schematic design of 70 stories building was carried out, using the general structure analysis program of MIDAS-Gen. In this research, the primary factors of this analysis research were the shear wall stiffness, the frame stiffness, the outrigger stiffness, the stiffness of column linked in outrigger system, etc. To achieve the aim of this study, we analyzed and studied the lateral displacement in top level, the force distribution of outrigger, the existing model of optimal outrigger location, and so on. This paper proposed the optimal position of offset outrigger system. Furthermore it is considered that the study results can be useful in getting the structure engineering data for seeking the optimal position of offset outrigger in the tall building.