Off Topic — HabitableZone

Off Topic » in reply to Arguing architecture with an architect?

Actually Tom wasn't far off
SDG — (archived)

To be fair, I should point out my own mistakes. I said most skyscrapers use concrete cores and columns, but the reality is most are steel frame in the US when you get above a certain height. I'm not really sure at what height the transition changes, however I think most "towers" (20 stories or less) do use that system. The firm I work for is designing a tower now that is 22 stories. That's the tallest so far for our little firm. I 've got no real experience with it, since I'm plugged into the grocery store scene. Not nearly as exciting, but its profitable work that bills hourly and the clients are happy.

In Asia, the Sesmic zones drive the concrete design for skyscrapers. I don't know why they don't do the same in California. Probably cost. I was watching a PBS show last year about the construction of one of those Asian skyscrapers. After 911 the halted construction for months while they reevaluated the designs to take into account 9-11 type attacks. The consensus was that they didn't need to change anything since the design was already 9-11 proof.

Steve G.

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