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Would you prefer to use steel over concrete in high-rise commercial building?

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Question added by Alex Al Yazouri , General Manager , Al Mushref Cooperative Society
Date Posted: 2014/12/04
Muhammad Usman Tariq
by Muhammad Usman Tariq , Visiting Faculty , National University of Science and Technology

I will prefer steel with concrete for a tough building. 

Basit Ali
by Basit Ali , Director of Engineering , Laverda Suites & Villas / Blue Bay Resorts

Steel’s strength and ductility, combined with solid engineering and design, make it a safe choice in seismic zones. “Steel framing does very well under high [wind] loads because it is ductile, which means it has the ability to bend without breaking and can absorb that kind of energy.

فؤاد أحمد حسين
by فؤاد أحمد حسين , مدير , حكومي

Thank you Mr Alex about your invitation ,,,Well from past experience we have learned that in high strength concrete the value determined using ACI expression for modulus of elasticity can be exceeded. Accordingly, we specified dual requirements for the shear walls concrete: A modulus of elasticity of7,000ksi and corresponding concrete compressive strength of12,000psi and14,000psi. This contributed to the stiffness of the tower without the premium of calling for even higher strength concrete.one should also recognise the newer composite systems (RC is itself a composite system) whereby conventional structural steel sections are either filled or encased with concrete. The overall performance of these types of frames are generally better than either of the constituent parts could offer individually. To take full advantage of these new hybrids we also use high performance steels, concretes, polymers, composites, determined using  This contributed to the stiffness of the tower without the premium of calling for even  higher strength concrete . so concrete core and steel approach was , while addressing the structural performance In terms of speed of construction, it’s very economical. The simple economics  hybrid usage coupled with large span floors eliminates the need for interior columns  increasing the interior layout flexibility.Concrete is safer. The building’s core (where elevators, stairs, and power systems are located) will be encased in  concrete for protection in the event of a fire or terrorist attack. “Cast-in-place reinforced  concrete offers outstanding resistance to explosion and/or impac.  Moreover, it can endure very high temperatures from fire for a long time without loss of structural  .Concrete requires no additional fireproofing treatments to meet stringent fire codes, and performs well during both natural and manmade disasters. Because of concrete’s inherent heaviness, mass, and strength, buildings constructed with cast-in-place , reinforced concrete can resist winds of more than200 miles per hour and perform well even under the impact of flying debris . With proper design, engineering, and construction, the seemingly rigid structures built with concrete can exhibit increased ductility - a must in areas prone to seismic activity. However, according to the Skokie, IL-based Portland Cement Association (PCA), the performance of any building during an earthquake is largely a function of design rather than the material used in construction

 

Based on Physics, Steal/Iron has the highest binding energy compare with others include concrete. So, for a very high building, the builder used steal, otherwise, they used a concrete.

Alex Al Yazouri
by Alex Al Yazouri , General Manager , Al Mushref Cooperative Society

I would prefer steel in this case for safety, corrosion, strength and value.

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