Field testing and analysis during top-down construction of super-tall buildings in Shanghai

Abstract

Although certain measurements regarding super-tall buildings constructed using the top-down method have been published, new advances in top-down construction have been developed with the construction of super-tall buildings in China. This paper presents the theory of soil-structure interactions in pile foundations and extends it to the top-down construction method. Based on this theory, the forces and the deformation of the diaphragm wall, slab and soldier piles at various stages of construction can be computed. Two typical tall buildings of 60 and 37 stories with deeply embedded 4-level and 5-level basements located in Shanghai were used as case studies of the vertical displacements of their diaphragm walls and soldier piles, the deflections of the diaphragm walls, the earth pressures, and the rebar stresses during top-down construction. The values measured in the field agree well with the predicted values from soilstructure interactions theory and statistical-empirical formulas. Two additional super-tall buildings of 101 and 121 stories, in which the 4-level and 5-level basements and the main buildings are round, are discussed regarding their unique deformational characteristics. In addition, the diaphragm wall can serve a load-sharing function. These engineering case studies, including the comprehensive predictions of deformation based on field tests and estimates using statistical formulas, can improve tall building design.

Characteristics Analysis for High-Rise Buildings During Top-Down Construction

“…Meanwhile, they studied the deformation shape of a large foundation pit in the Shanghai soft soil layer, as well as the influence of foundation pit geometry and size on excavation deformation. Tang and Zhao (2016) studied the interaction mechanism between the soil and the structure in pile foundations and applied his theory to practical projects with the reverse method. The settlement, differential settlement and horizontal deformation of the supporting structure and pile, as well as the changes in soil pressure and retaining structure stress values in the foundation pit, were discussed during the construction based on TDM.…”

Changes in physical and mechanical properties of soils due to anthropogenic impact on the territory of Chita

“…(2017) raises the issue of soil liquefaction on shallow construction sites in New Zealand during seismic impact on the territory. Tang Y. (2016) raises the question of the interaction between soil and pile foundations on the basis of vertical displacements of the wall, discussing the deformation characteristics as well (Tang and Zhao, 2016).…”

“…Tang Y. (2016) raises the question of the interaction between soil and pile foundations on the basis of vertical displacements of the wall, discussing the deformation characteristics as well (Tang and Zhao, 2016). Zhang Q.…”

The Effect of High-Rise Building Features on Their State under the Horizontal Seismic Loads

“…on small areas and in the single buildings. The features of a high-rise building (height, mass, high ground pressures and pressures on bottom, oscillations, difficulty of evacuation in case of emergency) define risks for people staying in the high-rise building and next to it [1][2][3][4][5]. These factors impose a lot of requirements to use of the buildings, like the uninterrupted work of its installations, building's stability under the wind or seismic load, terroristic attack, etc.…”