STRUCTURE, ENVELOPE AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION. The reinforced concrete in the construction of very tall buildings

Abstract

Until the second half of the nineteenth century, ie until the Industrial Revolution, the building structures played static function and also protective function. In the course of time separating the combination goes. The introduction of iron leads to a progressive "innovation" of building structures. The first application of iron in construction dates back to the mid-nineteenth century. They were first made with cast-iron columns and beams in iron and later with particular types of steel. The architecture of the iron is a true regeneration of the way of building, the cities are filled with sophisticated solid structures and slim at the same time, it enhances the transparency of glass, it interacts with the natural light. At the end of the century, but especially in 1900, to such building structures were added to the concrete in reinforced concrete. Thus is fulfilled definitively separation between structure and superstructure. The technological innovation has allowed a considerable reduction of resistant sections. Frame structures in reinforced concrete, ensure a high degree of resistance to deformability and this for the intrinsic characteristics of the materials. With the reinforced concrete, overcome the problem of stability through the principles of the static frame structures, any height and width seems to become possible. It gives vent to the invention: large is the flexibility of this material, any volume even the most daring becomes practicable, studying properly the structural scheme and performing the calculations of the building structure. The twentieth century and the twenty-first century have certainly given ample contribution to the innovation of architectural design, comparing the most diverse design solutions for systems framed, investigating each element constructive dialogue with the materials and with the context environmental. Over the past two decades have increased the ability of resistant concrete blocks, thanks to more sophisticated production techniques so that the cement conglomerates, and thanks to the use of additives and special procedures for implementation and maturation. New types of construction can reach great heights through the use of elements of small size and high resistance. The paper describes part of the preliminary analysis of an current research “Building and construction management, energy management and environmental sustainability applied to the project” on concrete structures in reinforced concrete and steel structures, adapted to the construction of high-rise buildings.