Optimal lateral stiffness design of tall buildings of mixed steel and concrete construction

This paper presents an optimal sizing technique for the lateral stiffness d esign of tall steel and concrete buildings. The minimum structure cost desi gn problem subject to lateral drift constraints is first mathematically for mulated and then solved by a rigorously derived Optimality Criteria (OC) me thod. The emphasis is particularly placed on the practical applicability of the optimization technique in engineering practice. Once the structural fo rm of the lateral load resisting system of a building is defined, the optim al steel and concrete element sizes are then sought while satisfying all se rviceability lateral stiffness and practical sizing requirements. The effec tiveness and practicality of the optimization technique is illustrated thro ugh an actual application to the preliminary design of an 88-storey buildin g in Hong Kong. When complete, the building will be 420 rn tall and will be come the tallest building in Hong Kong. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Son s, Ltd.