Advancement in construction materials and challenges in finding structural solutions for modern structures

Abstract

Abstract: In modern construction arena architecturally driven designs with more sophisticated structural forms offers several challenges to the structural engineers and contractors. In addition to the architectural superiority, safety, structural stability, serviceability, functionality, economic feasibility and construability are different factors to be critically considered in a conceptual design. In order to achieve a sustainable design all these important factors has to be integrated in the design in an optimum manner. Structural engineer plays an important role in this context from the initial stage up to the construction completion. Selection of efficient structural scheme and suitable construction material, carryout structural analysis, verify the design to satisfy all design criteria, provide wise detailing and ensure the constructability are few among such important functions. This paper presents application of different construction materials such as timber, steel, concrete and composites in modern architecturally driven designs. Importance of utilizing structural materials appropriately, structural idealizations for analysis, design and detailing were emphasized. Selected case studies authors has designed in the recent past, containing such structural significances were used for the demonstration.