Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1
A Simplified Design Approach
1.1
THE BUILDING UNIVERSE
There is a little doubt that the construction of a very tall building, a large domed arena, or any other prominent
mega structure attracts the interest of a great number of structural engineers. The construction of such
structures usually represents the highest level of sophistication in structural design and often introduces
daring new concepts and structural innovations as well as improvements in construction techniques.
Many structural engineers have the desire to become professionally involved in the design of such distinctive
buildings during their careers. However, very few projects of this prestigious caliber are built in any given year.
Truly, the building universe consists largely of low-rise and small-area buildings. Figure 1-1 shows the
percentage of building floor area constructed in 2002 in terms of different building height categories. The
figure shows that the vast majority of the physical volume of construction is in the 1- to 3-story height range.
Nonresidential Buildings
All Buildings
> 15 floors (1%)
> 15 floors (3%)
4 to 15 floors (6%)
4 to 15 floors (9%)
1 to 3 floors (93%)
1 to 3 floors (88%)
Figure 1-1 Floor Area of Construction, 2002
