Construction Technology B Assignment

Erection of complex multi-story structures and the use of modern systems
in internal space planning and design and application of Sustainable

Construction Strategies
By
B. Bihan Chathuranga Fernando
Student ID NG/HNDQS10/26
A report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
Higher National Diploma in Quantity Surveying
Lecturer: Mr. Gamini Rajakaruna
International College of Business and Technology
Nugegoda
June, 2016
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to express my special gratitude and deepest appreciation to The

International College of Business and Technology and most of all, our lecturer, Mr. Gamini
Rajakaruna, for a successful presentation and report on Construction Technology B
Construction of High Rise Buildings and giving all the required encouragements and unerring
guidance.
Subsequently, I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation and distinct honour
to Mr. S. Kalananthan (Lecturer on Construction Tech. A) For the support and knowledge they
provided making this report successful.
Furthermore, it is my great pleasure to bestow my sincere thanks to my parents and my

friends specially for encouraging me and the support and knowledge we shared.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who helped me in various ways to convert this
project into a successful one.
~Bihan Fernando~
Construction Tech. B i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1
2. Forms of structural design ..................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Loads on building structure ......................................................................................... 3
2.2 Structural forms ........................................................................................................... 5
2.2.1 moment resisting frames ...................................................................................... 5
shear walls and bracings ...................................................................................... 6
advantages of using moment resisting structural frame ....................................... 8
disadvantages of using moment resisting structural frame .................................. 8
2.2.2 tube frames ........................................................................................................... 9
framed tube .......................................................................................................... 9
trussed tube ........................................................................................................ 10
...................................................................................................................................... 10
bundled tube ....................................................................................................... 10
tube in tube (hull core) ....................................................................................... 11
advantages of using tube frames ........................................................................ 11
disadvantages of using tube frames ................................................................... 11
2.3 structural design for 60 story building ........................................................................... 12
framed tube as the structural design................................................................... 12
3. Techniques used in high rise building construction ............................................................ 13

3.1 foundation ...................................................................................................................... 13
raft pile foundations ............................................................................................... 13
diaphagram walls ................................................................................................... 15
3.2 structure ......................................................................................................................... 17
slip form shuttering ................................................................................................ 17
system column formwork ...................................................................................... 18
vertical panel systems ............................................................................................ 18
steel structures ....................................................................................................... 19
3.3 building envelop ............................................................................................................ 19
3.4 flooring........................................................................................................................... 21
4. Systems used for flexibilty of internal spatial planning ...................................................... 23

4.1 internal spatial planning considerations .................................................................... 23
Construction Tech. B ii
4.2 systems used for internal spatial planning................................................................. 24
4.3 spatial planning incorporated with 60 story building ................................................ 27
5. Constructional processes of spatial planning systems and integration with building services
28
5.1 construction processes used for installing spatial planning systems ............................. 29
5.2 integration of building sevices with spatial planing systems ......................................... 30
6. Principles of buildability ..................................................................................................... 32

6.1 definition of buildability............................................................................................ 32
6.2 principles of buildability ........................................................................................... 33
6.3 implication of buildability in construction industry .................................................. 33
7. Employing concept of buildability ...................................................................................... 34

7.1 buildability on health and safety ............................................................................... 34
7.2 buildability on efficiency .......................................................................................... 35
7.3 buildability on economy and quality of construction ................................................ 36
7.4 employing buildability in 60 story building .............................................................. 37
8. Sustainable construction ...................................................................................................... 38

8.1 sustainable construction ............................................................................................ 38
8.2 key principles of sustainable construction ................................................................ 39
9. Modern and traditionalconstruction methods ...................................................................... 40

9.1 traditional construction methods ............................................................................... 40
9.2 modern construction methods ................................................................................... 41
9.3 benfits of sustainable construction approach ............................................................ 44
9.4 sustainable construction strategies adopted on 60 story building ............................. 45
10. Energy reducing techniques in multi-story buildings .................................................. 46

10.1 ventilation .............................................................................................................. 46
10.2 natural lighting ....................................................................................................... 48
10.3 electricty ................................................................................................................ 49
10.4 rain water harvesting ............................................................................................. 51
11. Building adaptation, alteration and reparing techniques.............................................. 52

11.1 building adaptation ................................................................................................ 53
11.2 benefits of building adaptation .............................................................................. 54
12. Building demolition methods ....................................................................................... 57
demolition by hand ................................................................................................ 57
demolition by wrecking ball .................................................................................. 58
demolition by pusher arm ...................................................................................... 59
demolition by deliberate collapse .......................................................................... 60
demolition by wire rope pulling ............................................................................ 60
demolition by explosion or implosion ................................................................... 60
high reach arms ( or long reach ) ........................................................................... 61
13. Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 62
14. References .................................................................................................................... 63
Table Of Figures
Fig. 1-1Render of Port City ....................................................................................................... 2

Fig. 1-2Designer render of colombo .......................................................................................... 2
Fig. 1-3Megapolise Development Region ................................................................................. 2
Fig. 2-1 Effect of Wind and Lateral loads ................................................................................. 4
Fig. 2-2Loads on Building Structure ......................................................................................... 4
Fig. 2-3Empire State building,USA(Moment Resisting Frame) ............................................... 6
Fig. 2-4Shear Walls ................................................................................................................... 6
Fig. 2-5John Hancock Center,Chicago(Steel Bracings) ............................................................ 7
Fig. 2-6World Trade Center,USA(Framed Tube Structure) ...................................................... 9
Fig. 2-7Bank of China, Hong Kong(Trussed Tube) ................................................................ 10
Fig. 2-8Sears Tower,Chicago(bundled Tube) .......................................................................... 10
Fig. 2-9Lumbago Tatung Haji Tower,Kualampur(Hull Core) ................................................ 11
Fig. 2-10Proposed 60 Story Building ...................................................................................... 12
Fig. 3-3-1Pile Types................................................................................................................. 14
Fig. 3-3-2Typical Pile Foundation ........................................................................................... 14
Fig. 3-3-3Raft Pile Foundation ................................................................................................ 15
Fig.3-3-4Modern Raft mixed pile foundation .......................................................................... 15
Fig.3-3-5Diaphragm Walls ...................................................................................................... 16
Fig. 3-3-6Diaphragm Walls at WTC, New York ..................................................................... 16
Fig. 3-3-7Excavation for Diaphragm Walls............................................................................. 16
Fig. 3-3-8Slip Form Shuttering Diagram ................................................................................. 17
Fig. 3-3-9Use of Slip Form ...................................................................................................... 17
Fig. 3-3-10Column Formwork System .................................................................................... 18
Fig. 3-3-11Vertical Panel Systems .......................................................................................... 18
Fig. 3-3-12Steel Frame Structure ............................................................................................. 19
Fig. 3-3-13Story Heigh Curtain Wall ...................................................................................... 20
Fig. 3-3-14Concrete Cladding ................................................................................................. 20
Fig. 3-3-15Use of cladding and curtain walling ...................................................................... 20
Fig. 3-3-16Glass Fiber Cladding.............................................................................................. 20
Fig. 3-17Concrete Slab Flooring.............................................................................................. 21
Fig. 3-18Composite Floors ...................................................................................................... 22
Fig. 3-19Pre Cast Slab Flooring............................................................................................... 22
Fig. 3-20Profile Decking ......................................................................................................... 22
Fig. 4-1Demountable Partitions ............................................................................................... 25
Fig. 4-2Suspended Ceilings ..................................................................................................... 25
Fig. 4-3Raised Floors ............................................................................................................... 26
Fig. 4-4Sky Lobby System ...................................................................................................... 27
Fig. 4-5Elevator banks ............................................................................................................. 27
Fig. 9-1Green Roofing ............................................................................................................. 42
Fig. 9-2Rain water harvesting .................................................................................................. 43
Fig. 10-1Cross Ventilation ....................................................................................................... 46
Fig. 10-2Use of operable Windows ......................................................................................... 47
Fig. 10-3Stack Ventilation ....................................................................................................... 47
Fig. 10-4Glass Curtain Walls of High Rise ............................................................................. 48
Fig. 10-5Use of SkyLights and Types ..................................................................................... 49
Fig. 10-6Solar Panels fixed on roof tops ................................................................................. 50
Fig. 10-7Solar Panels Fixed on facade without damaging the looks ....................................... 50
Fig. 10-8Wind Turbines fixed on high rise building ............................................................... 50
Fig. 11-1Dutch Hospital Colombo Renovation ....................................................................... 56
Fig. 11-2Colombo Race Course Building renovation.............................................................. 56
Fig. 12-1Hand Demolition ....................................................................................................... 57
Fig. 12-2Demolition by Pusher arm......................................................................................... 59
Fig. 12-3Deliberate Collapse ................................................................................................... 60
Fig. 12-4Demolition by implosion ........................................................................................... 60
Fig. 12-5High Reach Arms ...................................................................................................... 61
1. INTRODUCTION
The structural system of a high-rise building often has a more pronounced effect than
a lowrise building on the total building cost and the architecture. As a result, those faced with
an initial venture into tall building design need to be aware of concepts that are not
emphasized for low-rise design.
With the increasing population and demanding requirements, more and more of
housing spaces need to be provided. And all the population are gathering around large cities
make the population density very high which cannot be allocated a land area. So the multi-
story buildings and structures comes into the play to solve this issue.
DEMAND FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
Scarcity of land area in urban cities.

Increasing demand for business and residential spaces
Economic growth
Technological advancements
Innovations in structural systems
Desire for aesthetic setting in urban areas
Cultural significance and prestige
Human aspiration to build higher and higher
This report on Erection of complex multi-story structures and the use of modern
systems in internal space planning and design and application of Sustainable Construction
Strategies is aimed to provide general knowledge in how the multi-story buildings are
constructed with the technologies incorporated.
As for our country, we are in face of huge development turn in our landscape with the
Colombo megapolise project that about to start where these high rises coming into sri lanka
and our workforces need to be prepared for it.
COLOMBO MEGAPOLISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The Western Region Megapolis Planning Project comprises 150 smaller projects,
including the controversial Chinese-funded Colombo Port City development. Progress on this
$1.4 billion project has stalled, but is expected to restart within the next few months. Under
the WRMPP, there would also be a trade hub, a high-rise central business district including at
least 60 new towers, a science and technology city, and a rapid transit system aimed at
reducing traffic congestion in Sri Lanka's most populous region, which is home to almost 6
million people.
Construction Tech. B 1
With this new job opportunities as well as new technologies and new industries, and
tourism will be improved in the region and for high demand of building spaces will lead to
the construction of high rises.
Fig. 1-2Designer render of colombo Fig. 1-1Render of Port City
Fig. 1-3Megapolise Development Region
2. FORMS OF STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Structural design is the methodical investigation of the stability, strength and rigidity of
structures. The basic objective in structural analysis and design is to produce a structure capable
of resisting all applied loads without failure during its intended life. The primary purpose of a
structure is to transmit or support loads. If the structure is improperly designed or fabricated,
or if the actual applied loads exceed the design specifications, the building will probably fail
to perform its intended function, with possible serious consequences. A well-engineered
structure greatly minimizes the possibility of costly failures.
As mentioned above, building structure main function is to transfer the loads that affects
to the building to the ground and keep its stability. Following are the main loads that needs to
be considered before designing the structural form of a multi-story buildings,
2.1 Loads on Building Structure

The primary structural skeleton of a multi-story building can be visualized as a vertical
cantilever beam with its base connected to the ground. The vertical structure has to carry the
gravity loads and lateral loads to keep the building standing and stiff.
Gravity loads are caused by dead and live loads. Lateral loads tends to snap the building
or topple it. Therefore building must have adequate shear and bending resistance and must not
lose its vertical load carrying capability.
Dead Load
Refer to loads that typically dont change over time, such as the weights of
materials and components of the structure itself (the framing, the flooring
material, roofing material, etc.),and the weights of fixed service equipment
(plumbing, HVAC, etc.).(Snow load is also considered a dead load but here in sri
lanka we dont need to consider about this)
Live Load
Refer to loads that do, or can, change over time, such as people walking around a
building (occupancy) or movable objects such as office machines inside the
building.
Lateral Loads
Wind load and seismic loads are considered lateral loads which would affect the
building structure in horizontal way rather than directly forced down. These tends
to snap or bend the building hence the collapse would occur.
Special Load Cases

Impact Loads and blast loads, these also need to be considered in a manner in
design.
Fig. 2-2Loads on Building Structure
Fig. 2-1 Effect of Wind and Lateral loads
2.2 STRUCTURAL FORMS
In constructing of multi-story buildings, designing of frames to withstand above
mentioned loads are work of structural engineers and they use various methods of connecting
beams and columns to give the structure the required strength and stiffness to be stand tall and
these forms of connecting components are known as Structural Forms.
Multi-story buildings are categorized by various bodies according to their height, no. of
stories and construction materials used etc. but in general terms following are 3 main
categorization is what considered on selecting a structural form of a building.
Low Rise Buildings Up to 5 floors

Mid Rise Buildings More than 5 floors but less than 12 floors.
High Rise Buildings More than 12 floors and 35m high.
Sky Scrapers More than 50 floors.
These different kind of buildings use different kinds of structures in consideration of

feasibility, location, time, building shape, use of the space, construction cost, technology,
material availability and many other factors. Following are main structural forms used in high
rise buildings,
Moment Resisting Frames

Tube Frames
2.2.1 MOMENT RESISTING FRAMES
Moment-resisting frames are rectilinear assemblies of beams and columns, with the
beams rigidly connected to the columns. Resistance to lateral forces is provided primarily by
rigid frame action-that is, by the development of bending moment and shear force in the frame
members and joints (Anon., 2015). By effect of the rigid beam-column connections, a moment
frame cannot displace laterally without bending the beams or columns depending on the
geometry of the connection. The bending rigidity and strength of the frame members is
therefore the primary source of lateral stiffness and strength for the entire frame.
Rigid frames can be used on buildings up to 50 floors with varying supportive

components such as bracings and shear walls, which will be explained in next and can be made
out of using,
Steel frames
In situ concrete
Pre cast concrete
Combinations of above all
Most of multi-story buildings in Sri Lanka which are not expanding over 30 40 floors
are constructed using moment resisting framing systems due to the material availability and
ease of construction.
Empire State Building, USA is a good example of skyscraper built using steel moment
resisting frames with ( X ) cross bracings to support lateral loads.
Fig. 2-3Empire State building,USA(Moment Resisting Frame)
SHEAR WALLS AND BRACINGS
Shear walls are one of the most commonly used type of supportive structural from
system to resist the lateral loads in high rise buildings. Shear walls have strength and
stiffness to add extra strength to building structural system. Shear walls are used as a
vertical structural element for resisting lateral loads that may induced by the effect of wind
and earth quakes which leads to the failure of the structures. Can be made out of in situ
concrete, pre cast concrete or in filled brickwork. Shear walls are common supporting
system used in buildings up to 30 stories.
Fig. 2-4Shear Walls
Bracings should ensure the lateral stability in all directions. This an essential part of
every structure being erected. The function of the bracings is to increase the strength of the
structure in order to prevent it from falling down when load is applied and also to support
its dead load.
Number of bracing systems are implemented and being used in modern high rises as
its more easily constructed and light weighted and gives more stability to the building.
Cross Bracings
Diagonal Bracings
Inverted V Bracings
Properly designed bracing system would allow moment resisting frames to be go high
as much as 100 floors(eg. Empire state building 102 floors) but with new emerging
construction techniques but can be achieved.
Fig. 2-5John Hancock Center,Chicago(Steel Bracings)
ADVANTAGES OF USING MOMENT RESISTING STRUCTURAL
FRAME
Ease of Construction. Designing is comparably easier and less drawing details

required on construction.
Wide variety of materials that can be used.
Formworks and required false works can be procured easily.
Less technical knowledge needed in workforce.
Internal spatial planning can be incorporated with the columns and beams too.
Using of steel may not be most economical inside Sri Lanka, but for multi-story
buildings up to 40 50 stories, its more economical and versatile to use steel
structures.
Construction methods can be easily mixed to achieve more stiff structures such
as steel frame with concrete filled or concrete structure with steel bracings.
Use of shear walls act as partitioning inside the building too.
Use of bracings within a moment resisting frame increases the stability of the
structure in considerably less material.
Use of moment resisting frame with support of shear walls and bracings are
economical for low to mid rise buildings compared to other construction
methods.
DISADVANTAGES OF USING MOMENT RESISTING STRUCTURAL

FRAME
Not stiff enough for now emerging high rise buildings which are going more
than 50 floors.
In Sri Lanka, steel is commonly available, therefore construction with concrete
can be costly and too much of dead loads.
Comparably slow construction process.
Construction of shear walls also takes more time and adds heavy loads to the
building.
Regular checks need to ensure the verticality of the construction is within the
tolerances.
Bracings maybe interfering with the internal spatial planning.
Usable floor area is obstructed by the columns runs in places.
2.2.2 TUBE FRAMES
As the building rises higher and higher, these rigid connections in moment resisting
frames dont do the trick to keep buildings swaying by the lateral forces. Structural engineers
have designed strong cores through the building or around the perimeter to overcome these and
building shape also being considered in aerodynamics and to maximize the lighting and
ventilation and of course to achieve architectural needs.
The tube system concept is based on the idea that building can be designed to resist lateral
loads by designing it as a hollow cantilever perpendicular to the ground. In the simplest form
of the tube, the perimeter of the exterior consists of closely spaced columns that are tied
together with deep spandrel beams through moment connections. This assembly of columns
and beams forms a rigid frame that amounts to a dense and strong structural wall along the
exterior of the building. Some of commonly used tubular systems are,
Framed Tube
Trussed Tube
Bundled Tube
Tube in Tube
Below is a simple explanation of how each of these types are prepared with real world
examples.
FRAMED TUBE
The lateral resistance of framed tube structures is provided by very stiff moment
resisting frames that form a tube around the perimeter of the building. Framed tube is the
base that leads to many other tubular systems. Most of the tube frames are constructed with a
core inside the building which act as a backbone of the structure. While it only could support
half of the load and rest is resisted by the exterior frame which forms the tube. Best example
of tube frame application is World Trade Center, USA.
Fig. 2-6World Trade Center,USA(Framed Tube Structure)
TRUSSED TUBE
The trussed tube system represents a classic solution for a tube uniquely suited to the
qualities and character of structural steel. Interconnect all exterior columns to form a rigid box,
which can resist lateral shears by axial in its members rather than through flexure. Introducing
a minimum number of diagonals on each faade and making the diagonal intersect at the same
point at the corner column.
The system is tubular in that the fascia diagonals not only form a truss in the plane, but
also interact with the trusses on the perpendicular faces to affect the tubular behavior. This
creates the x form between corner columns on each faade. Relatively broad column spacing
can resulted large clear spaces for windows, a particular characteristic of steel buildings.
Fig. 2-7Bank of China, Hong Kong(Trussed Tube)
BUNDLED TUBE
The concept allows for wider column spacing in the tubular walls than would be
possible with only the exterior frame tube form. The spacing which make it possible to place
interior frame lines without seriously compromising interior space planning. The ability to
modulate the cells vertically can create a powerful vocabulary for a variety of dynamic shapes
therefore offers great latitude in architectural planning of a tall building.
Fig. 2-8Sears Tower,Chicago(bundled Tube)
TUBE in TUBE (HULL CORE)
This variation of the framed tube consists of an outer frame tube, the Hull, together
with an internal elevator and service core. The Hull and core act jointly in resisting both gravity
and lateral loading. The outer framed tube and the inner core interact horizontally as the shear
and flexural components of a wall-frame structure, with the benefit of increased lateral
stiffness. The structural tube usually adopts a highly dominant role because of its much greater
structural depth.
Fig. 2-9Lumbago Tatung Haji Tower,Kualampur(Hull Core)
ADVANTAGES OF USING TUBE FRAMES
Rigidity and strength is very high, almost all of the skyscrapers are built on this
framing system.
With new techniques and advancement of technology, much faster construction.
Buildings can be shaped to architectural needs not unlike of rigid frames.
Interior space is relatively free of columns bracings or other structural components
running.
Overall most effective framing system for high rise buildings.
DISADVANTAGES OF USING TUBE FRAMES
Comparably construction cost is high.

Special equipment and trained staff and labor is needed.
Precise detailed drawings are required.
2.3 STRUCTURAL DESIGN FOR 60 STORY BUILDING
Below is a render of proposed building of a 60 story high rise to be built in Kalutara coastal
area facing the sea as a development under Colombo Megapolise Development.
Fig. 2-10Proposed 60 Story Building
This 60 story building is to be developed as a commercial multi-purpose building as it

will incorporate hotel, offices and residences. And facing the beautiful west coastal area going
to attract much more customers as well as the location its based.
FRAMED TUBE AS THE STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Among all the structural designs mentioned above, framed tube will be
recommended for this structure as of following reasons and bracings can be used where its
necessary.
Facing the coastal area, huge lateral force from wind is expected. Framed tubes
are more efficient in resisting lateral forces with minimal materials used hence
this design is economical.
By going high as much as 60 stories, if used rigid frame, its going to add much
more dead weight of components to the building. But framed tubes are lighter.
Construction techniques such as pre casted formwork and slip form shuttering
allows for faster construction.
Shape of the building is easily achievable by this method.
As this is to be used as hotels residence and offices, internal floor area will be
freer from columns and components than a rigid structure.
Core area will be used to install services required so more renting space.
More daylight and natural ventilation is achievable.
Material availability continuous supply of concrete as plants are nearby.
Can be incorporated with pre cast flooring, wall and etc. easily which would
increase the construction speed significantly.
3. TECHNIQUES USED IN HIGH RISE BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION
Construction techniques generally accepted as a term used to refer to range of
construction methods that seek to introduce benefits in terms of productivity, efficiency, quality
and sustainability. Construction methods that are currently used for multi-story buildings differ
from traditional approaches significantly.
High rise buildings involve a huge amount of money investments from the client and
therefore he expects to cover up the primary cost and making the profit as soon as possible.
Therefore building needs to be delivered fast in expected quality with the minimum cost. In
respect of achieving this target, everyday new technological advancement are made in
construction industry to minimize the construction time while retaining the quality and
minimizing the cost. Many of the construction methods involves prefabrication and off site
manufacturing of components to achieve this speed requirement and quality and it is proven to
be cost effective in high rise buildings. In following paragraphs are explained the various
emerging techniques used in high rise construction in its different phases of construction from
foundation to completion of the building.
3.1 FOUNDATION
Multi-story buildings are rise from 3 5 floors to like 150 floors or so skyscrapers which
would have huge loads only from the building itself and adding the live and lateral loads to it,
building becomes much more heavier than a regular buildings. And also the as high rise
construction are taking place in almost any kind of land of the choosing like coastal area, nearby
a lake for residences, urban area in city etc. which would not always have initial soil conditions
suitable for such structures but it need to constructed as of the demand and requirement. Today
world largest high rise of Burg Khalifa was built on the desert area near to sea in dubai. Or the
Colombo port city thats being constructed is built on sea by filling the land. So to withstand
these huge loads and various environment conditions, multi-story buildings use different kind
of foundation techniques and construction methods and equipment than traditional construction
of strip, raft and pad foundations.
RAFT PILE FOUNDATIONS
Foundation is the component of the building which would transfer the loads to the
ground and holds the building. And for these high rises causing huge loads to be transferred, it
needs deeper and bigger foundations. In that case traditional foundation methods such as raft
and strips are not feasible nor can bear the heavy loads of these buildings. Therefore the pile
foundations have been introduced in high rise construction and combining it with rafts, it was
able to achieve the strength and economical design for holding the building.
Almost every multi story building ranging from 5 6 floors and higher make use of pile
foundations as its the most economical and only foundation type that can be used for high rise
structures. Piles can be mainly divided into 2 categories as,
End Bearing Piles

Friction Piles
Accordance to their load transferring technique. End bearing piles go very deep in to
the ground to hard rock layer while friction piles transfer the loads by the friction that pile
makes with the soil.
Fig. 3-3-1Pile Types
Most of the time, modern foundation for high rise buildings are designed as Raft-Pile
foundation if the building is located in place where soil conditions does not meet required
bearing capacity. If having good ground conditions, piles with caps are used for columns as a
cost reducing measures.
Fig. 3-3-2Typical Pile Foundation
Fig. 3-3-3Raft Pile Foundation
In modern world, to minimize the cost, combination of end bearing and friction
piles are used and it would save significant amount of time and cost.
Fig.3-3-4Modern Raft mixed pile

foundation
DIAPHAGRAM WALLS
Another techniques that being used in high rise buildings. High rises have very large
basements to incorporate either car parks, renting area or mechanical instruments etc. Therefore
the ground needs to be excavated deep and most times the ground water will come up. And
also newest trends of construction middle of water or nearby areas has bring up the need of
making way to excavate these basements and keeping the water out while being economical.
Hence designed the diaphragm walls.
Below are some pictures of diaphragm wall construction,
Fig.3-3-5Diaphragm Walls
Fig. 3-3-6Diaphragm Walls at WTC, New York
Fig. 3-3-7Excavation for Diaphragm Walls
As shown in the photographs, these makes a water tight working platform around the
construction area and while keeping the water out and acting as earth work support, it also act
as basement walls once building is finished. Compared to the traditional methods of earth work
supports made of steel or timber and water tight areas with use of sheet piling, this may seems
costlier but in the long run it saves much more time that takes to erect traditional supports and
also diaphragm wall becomes part of the building itself in the end.
3.2 STRUCTURE
As mentioned above multi-story buildings are mostly made for commercial purposes.
There for the construction needs to be finished fast while being cost effective while retaining
the quality. Earlier time multi story buildings were constructed in same manner as regular
houses and all such as using timber forms to erect columns and beams and pouring concrete in
and waiting it to be hardened and continuing the same process.
But nowadays this method is not acceptable to meet the demands and architectural
concepts and to retain the quality. Hence the new technologies are born and being invented
every day to meet the high demand of speed quality and cost effectiveness.
SLIP FORM SHUTTERING
Hence the Slip Form Shuttering was invented and most used construction technique for
high rise building which having large size columns and vertical elements. Slip forming,
continuous poured or continuously formed is a method which concrete is poured into
continuously moving form. Slip forming is use for tall structures and can be used in horizontally
too. It enables continuous, non- interrupted, cast in place flawless (No joints) concrete
structures which have superior performance to piecewise construction of traditional methods.
And slip forming relies on quick setting properties of concrete and needs to be a balance
between workability and hardening. Slip forming allows faster construction as much as 2 floors
per week in a high rise building which is significant time saving compared with traditional
structural methods.
Fig. 3-3-8Slip Form Shuttering Diagram
Fig. 3-3-9Use of Slip Form
SYSTEM COLUMN FORMWORK
Another new technique used in construction of rigid frame structure for low rise to
mid-rise building is column formwork systems. These are normally modular in nature and
allows quick assembly, erection and disassembly on site while minimizing labor and plant
time. Available in steel, aluminum and even cardboards and variety of internal surface
finishes accordance to the need. And allows to give different column sizes on site.
Fig. 3-3-10Column Formwork System
VERTICAL PANEL SYSTEMS
Same as with column formwork, to build the walls or long vertical structures, vertical
panel systems has been introduced to the construction industry. These can be used in rigid
framed building which have same type of modular compartments such as schools, hospitals,
student dorms which can be built in faster than traditional methods and use of concrete can be
act as a load bearing walls where necessary too.
Fig. 3-3-11Vertical Panel Systems
STEEL STRUCTURES
Most common structural method used in western world as steel is widely available and
cheaper and fabrication and installation is extremely faster. Most of the new steel structural
components are pre-fabricated in workshops and transferred to the site and assembled using
rigid joint welding or bolting.
Fig. 3-3-12Steel Frame Structure
And also I like to mention that there are various incarnations of slip form shuttering
technique being adapted according to the situations and in like of modular designs like hotel
rooms, dorms, schools modular forming was introduced. Namely, some are jump forming,
Climb Forming, Table Forming (To lay Decks of large area), Tunnel Forming (Modular cell
structures) are some of newer construction techniques in modern world which speed up the
construction process and being efficient.
3.3 BUILDING ENVELOP

A building envelope is the physical separator between the conditioned and
unconditioned environment of a building including the resistance to air, water, heat, light, and
noise transfer.
Envelope includes walls, roofs, floors, fenestrations and doors (anon, Wiki Building
Envelope, 2014) Building envelope relates to the design and construction of the exterior of the
house. Good building envelope involves in using exterior wall materials and designs that are
appropriate to the climate, structurally high strength and having a good aesthetic appearance.
These are the key factors in selecting and designing a suitable building envelope.
Walls are the key part of modern multi story buildings. Traditionally after the structure
being constructed, walls are made with bricks or cement blocks as necessary while this is more
time consuming and high labor and material cost lead to innovation of newer techniques of
achieving better results. Those can be named as,
Curtain Walls
Cladding
Claddings can be made out of,
Concrete Cladding Panels

Glass Fiber Cladding Panels
Story Height Claddings
Glass reinforced polyester claddings
Curtain Walls are generally made out of glass with aluminum frames around.
Fig. 3-3-13Story Heigh Curtain Wall Fig. 3-3-14Concrete Cladding
Fig. 3-3-16Glass Fiber Cladding Fig. 3-3-15Use of cladding and curtain walling
Compared with traditional methods of walling, use of curtain walls and claddings are easier
to fix, faster and less cost and as above shown, can be formed in needs of architectural design.
More over these are very light weighted compared to brick block fillings and ease of
construction is achieved by pre fabricating outside the worksite. And with the technology
evolves, more safety measures are taken and fixing can be done by the inside of the building.
3.4 FLOORING
In contrast of traditional flooring that would fill the floor and pour some lean concrete in
the site and paving with tiles or other materials, modern constructions mostly relies on pre
casting of floors and steel structures to make raised floors to make space for services and things.
Following are some of commonly used flooring systems for multi-story buildings,
Concrete slabs supported by open web joists

One-way and two-way reinforced concrete slabs supported on steel beams
Profile decking floors
Precast concrete slab floors
CONCRETE SLAB FLOORING SUPPORTED BY WEB JOISTS
Fig. 3-17Concrete Slab Flooring
Steel decks or forms are usually attached to the joists by welding and concrete slabs are poured
on top. This is one of the lightest types of concrete floors, therefore with light loading this type
is economical.
ONE WAY OR TWO WAY REINFORCED CONCRETE SLABS SUPPORTED

IN STEEL BEAMS
They are much heavier and also support heavy loads in a building. But they would
acquire more time in construction. There are two types as "One way slabs" & "Two way slabs".
In one way slabs, the loads are transferred from slab to beam.
CONCRETE SLAB AND STEEL BEAM COMPOSITE FLOORS
Composite floors are constructed by combining concrete slabs with steel beams by
bonding them together in order to obtain a high strength. Both the concrete slab and the steel
beam will be acting as one unit to resist the loads brought upon the building. These floor
systems will require less steel amounts and will also reduce the total depth of the floor.
Fig. 3-18Composite Floors
PRE CAST CONCRETE SLAB FLOORS
Fig. 3-19Pre Cast Slab Flooring
PROFILE DECKING
Profile decking floors are commonly used for the lighter loads. They do not need a form
work. Since light weight concrete is used resulting in reduced dead weight. Decking distributes
shrinkage strains that prevent the serious cracking. Decking stabilizes the beam against lateral
bucking until the concrete is harden. The cells in decking are convenient for locating services
Fig. 3-20Profile Decking
4. SYSTEMS USED FOR FLEXIBILTY OF INTERNAL
SPATIAL PLANNING
The term spatial planning refers to the idea, managing the available space within the
building or the land area to suit and requirement of function and the usability of the building
or the land area.
Multi-story buildings are mainly constructed in purpose of renting out the building space
and make profit of it. It maybe for residences, offices or hotels or any kind of clients
requirements. When designing the building, this is a main consideration to maximize the
rentable space inside the building while keeping its functionality. By functionality, it means
that building should provide the necessary services to the habitants to progress in their use of
internal space such as electricity, communication, air conditioning, water supply, waste water
and sewage disposal, waste disposal etc.
As a example, if we go into a office of high rise building or a hotel, we dont see any of
ugly electrical lines running everywhere, or telephone, plumbing or drainage lines. We see a
neatly partitioned and cleaned walls and basically a usable spaces without any obstructions. If
not just imagine how a inside of a building would be if these service lines and heck even there
were no proper partitioning to separate the spaces. To achieve this target, and to retain the
future needs of change of the building spaces, various systems are used and various
considerations taken into account. Following are most common considerations and spatial
planning systems incorporated with multi-story buildings.
4.1 INTERNAL SPATIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

Floor Layouts Needs to Meet The Tenants Requirements
As mentioned before main purpose of a building is to provide space. Which can be used
to various purposes depending on the tenants requirements. In early stages of a building
designing, architects must recognize the present and future targeted tenants of the building and
the use it will be and design the floor layouts accordance with it. As an example, its no use of
a building for a hotel if there an enormous number of columns running inside the floor area as
it will harm the aesthetics of a hotel and waste the valuable renting space.
Efficient Building Core
Most of the multi-story building constructed includes a core area where the main
building structural back bone resides and act as the heart of the building. Core area will be
used to install all the necessary building services runs vertically throughout the building such
as elevators, A/C duct work, plumbing, electrical, telecommunication lines, bathrooms of
offices etc. Usually core area takes up like 25% of the building area and efficient core means
reducing this percentage as much as possible and integrating the services required.
Story Height
Story height needs to be decided on how the building floors will be used and also should
think of future changes that would require. General residence floor ceiling height is about 9 ft,
but for an office floor it should at least maintain a 13.5ft. Of height due to the service lines that
require install for an office requirement through raised floor or suspended ceiling.
Local Zoning And Building Code Requirements
Many of the countries have their own local zoning regulations and building code
requirements to comply when constructing any kind of structures.
Appropriate Number of Floors
Architect needs to discuss with client and identify his requirement and decide upon the
no. of floor requirement as this will be hugely affecting the building design to demolition and
more over the cost is highly depends on this aspect.
Fire Safety
When planning of spaces and the systems to be used, this is a very important are
which should be taken into consideration. The flooring, and walls that going to use needs to
be able to contain in emergency of a fire.
4.2 SYSTEMS USED FOR INTERNAL SPATIAL PLANNING

Following are some of commonly used techniques of achieving the maximum use of floor
area for the habitants,
Demountable Partitions
Suspended Ceilings
Raised Floors
Service Ducts
Sky Lobbies and Elevator banks
DEMOUNTABLE PARTITIONS
A partition wall is a wall for the purpose of separating rooms, or dividing a room.
Partition walls are usually not load-bearing and can be constructed of steel panels,
bricks or blocks from clay, reinforced or hollow, wooden boards.
Fig. 4-1Demountable Partitions
Benefits of Demountable Partitions
Ease of Construction.
Ease of installation.
Light weighted, handling is easier.
Wide variety of material leads to variety of designs.
Less space requirement compared to permanent partition walls.
Ease of adjusting when necessary.
Shortages of Demountable Partitions

Non load bearing.
Durability maybe reduced.
Sound proofing and fire containment concerns.
SUSPENDED CEILINGS
Suspended ceilings are the structures that are hung from the roof of a building through
structural framing joists that support loads. They can be made out of steel grids and acoustical
ceiling tiles.
Fig. 4-2Suspended Ceilings
Benefits of Suspended Ceilings
To hide and cover building services such as electrical, plumbing and
communications.
Can be used for ventilation purposes.
Ease of production, installation and repairs.
Light weighted.
Wide variety of material makes use of designs suit to the building.
RAISED FLOORS
A raised floor also raised flooring, provides an elevated structural floor above a solid
concrete slab to create a hidden void for the passage to service runs.
Fig. 4-3Raised Floors
Benefits of Raised Floors

Hide exposed structural and mechanical equipment
Gives a better finish to the floor
Easy to access and maintain service lines
Thermal protection
Various types of floor finishes are available
Shortages of Raised Floors

Can be risky to use with heavy loads.
Accumulation of dust under.
Cables and wires needs to be checked frequently for damages by pests and
rats etc.
SKY LOBBIES AND ELEVATOR BANKS
In tall building efficient elevator system is in huge important. And using of many
elevators, it is not practical to let every elevator stop at every floor. Therefore architects designs
elevator banks that group elevators runs to certain floors like slow elevators stops at lower
floors and express elevators runs to higher floors directly. And also while these separate
elevators are designed, these express elevators may take up the valuable space by passing the
same floors as slow ones. For this, strategy of sky lobbies came in where elevators are stacked
and people choosing which elevator to be use on a lobby after they got off.
Fig. 4-4Sky Lobby System Fig. 4-5Elevator banks
4.3 SPATIAL PLANNING INCORPORATED WITH 60 STORY

BUILDING
With all above methods following are the ways that these internal spatial planning systems
are used in proposed 60 story building to be constructed.
First it needs to be identified what use of each floor will be in requirement of client. As of
this building,
3 basement levels for car parking and some mechanical equipment.

From Ground floor to 3rd floor will be used as a luxury hotel with restaurants,
banquet halls, dining areas and elevator banks and the building lobby.
From 3rd to 11th will be hotel rooms.
12th 30th 45th and 60th floors will be used as mechanical floors and 12th floor will
incorporate a sky lobby too for elevators.
From 13th to 29th and upto 35th floor will be used as office rentable areas.
From 36th upwards to 57th floors will be residences.
And 58th and 59th will be used as a sky restaurant and lobby area for scenery and
leisure time.
Building core will be used for installation of most of the services requiring.
As of above floor dividing considerations, this building is proposed to build with a framed
tube structure with minimal columns and obstructions running inside the floor area which gives
architects the freedom and convenience of designing the space separation as needed.
And then if architect needs, he can decide upon the floor heights as its clearly indicated
which floors will be used for what purposes. But for future requirement all the floors will be
constructed in same height allowing spaces for raised floors and suspended ceilings.
As of the spatial planning systems, this proposed building is a mix commercial

development. Therefore almost every spatial planning systems mentioned above will be
incorporated in different parts of the building. Office floors will have raised floors with
suspended ceilings, and Hotel and residences will incorporate suspended ceiling designs for
service runs. Almost all the services will be installed inside the core area giving as much as
usable floor area for the tenants and vertical service ducts for electrical, HVAC, plumbing will
be used. Specially for giving the flexibility in office floors, demountable partition systems to
be used.
5. CONSTRUCTIONAL PROCESSES OF SPATIAL

PLANNING SYSTEMS AND INTEGRATION WITH
BUILDING SERVICES
In regard of building services and how it connects with spatial planning system, lets take
a look at simple building services and requirements of it.
Building services are essential to make the building environment a comfortable

environment for the users of the building. And those building services should be installed in
way without being an obstacle to the functionality and the usability of the building.
Some of the primary building services are listed below,
Air Conditioning and Ventilation(HVAC)

Electricity
Water Supply and Heating
Telecommunication
Drainage
Fire Fighting Systems
Elevators Escalators.
Etc.
Primarily, any of building services are includes 3 components, which are,
1. Plant and Equipment 2. Service Runs 1. Appliances
As an example, in a central air conditioning system, Plant and equipment will be chillers
and evaporators and all the machines placed inside the machine room and the service runs are
the duct work or piping or any median that transfers the conditioned air to the entire building.
Appliances will be the A/C outlet that consumer turns on inside his room.
And now imagine all those service runs and every piece of appliances and maybe some
of plants are kept outside without a cover or proper managed way of installing them running
everywhere. The building sure will be unpleasant on using. Making proper space for these
services is a main part of internal spatial planning systems that are being used inside a building
is a main function of all those systems described above. Lets take a look on how some of these
are installed,
5.1 CONSTRUCTION PROCESSES USED FOR INSTALLING SPATIAL

PLANNING SYSTEMS
DEMOUNTABLE PARTITIONS
These are individual wall panels that can be removed, reinstalled and usually connected to the
ceiling grid and to the floor. Use of two piece ceiling track the wall partitions to be installed
below the existing ceilings. In the floor the two piece base track can be installed with using
double tape or proper adhesive. After the ceiling and floor tracks are installed, preassembled
wall frames simply bolt together, with wall panels, trims and covers to clip onto the system.
Installation of doors completes the system.
RAISED FLOORS
In the installation of raised floors, there are some steps to follow. The room dimension has to
be measured in which the raised floor is going to be installed and then should determine the
variation in the level of the sub floor and the termination points such as elevator and door sills.
After establishing the proper starting point make sure that the access floor is square at all times
during the installation. Using a laser or a transit the height required to raise the floor is marked.
Then adjust all the pedestals to that height. Glue each pedestal base in the spread are to the
subfloor. Bolt the stingers and then beginning form the starting point lay the panels.
SUSPENDED CEILINGS
They are installed using the following steps,
Lay out bottom wall
Show on locations of hangers on joists
Lay out a square grid
Ensure the grid will be level
Cut the runner to size
Rest on end of the runner on the wall angle
Mark paths of other runners
Hang the cross tees
Cut the cross tees
Install all full size panels first
Cut tiles around the edge of room to fit
SERVICE DUCTS
When installing the vertical ducts the following has to be considered,
Maintain a constant cross-section of the service route
Position the plant room so that it is as close as possible to the center of the plan area it
serves
Consider the connection between horizontal services and vertical services routes
Provide separate routes for different services.
Horizontal distribution should ideally not extend more than 25 m from a vertical service
route. Longer distances will impose penalties on the system design and increase the depth of
horizontal service ducts
Position plant rooms at no more than 10 stories apart vertically.
5.2 INTEGRATION OF BUILDING SEVICES WITH SPATIAL

PLANING SYSTEMS
Building services integration with spatial planning can be recognized as planning to
install and manage all the services into as much as minimal spaces to maximize the usable
floor area. Thats what all above spatial planning systems are carried out.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical conduits can be runs throughout the building

inside the core area through ducts and to wall outlets
concealed manner either by the space provided with
raised floors, suspended ceilings and cavity on partition
walls.
WATER SUPPLY
Water supply is provided through the pipe lines running through the core and then to
appliances via raised floors or suspended ceilings.
HVAC
All the plants are located inside the machine room and chilled water or other median of
conditioning air will be transferred through the use of service ducts and then via suspended
ceilings with flushed outlets maybe used.
These are only very few examples of how the building services are fixed inside the spaces to
minimize the mess and achieve maximum usable floor area via installed spatial planning
systems. There are numerous ways and uses of these spaces to install almost every kind of
required services to make the building function for its usability.
6. PRINCIPLES OF BUILDABILITY
Concept of buildability is a vast area of study that essentially addresses to all the areas since
the inception of a building concept to its completion on Use methods of technology in design
process, through new construction knowledge, providing benefits and solutions to achieve the
design intent in a cost effective, timely manner and ease of assembly and disassembly.
The way the buildings are designed and constructed in the commercialized world is
irresponsible and wasteful, most are constructed with a life expectancy of just few decades and
no planning what will happen after the service life of the building. One third of the solid waste
that comes to the land filling is from the construction waste that results by the demolition of
the old buildings. Construction waste could be avoided if the recycling and reusing comes in
to play. Obstacle for this is the most of the buildings constructed in past are not designed in a
way that easy to dissemble.
The disassembly of a building may sound like the opposite of its assembly, but in practice
it is different. The slow careful process of construction requires large numbers of labour, large
quantities of materials, and long periods of time. The removal of a building is usually practiced
as demolition and requires very little of the time and effort compared to construction sequence.
Despite these usual differences, if controlled and sequential disassembly were practiced instead
of demolition, the construction and disassembly sequences could essentially be the same, one
simply being the reversal of the other. This is what the buildability concept is designed for to
reduce the construction waste while achieving accelerated efficiency in every aspect of a
construction.
6.1 DEFINITION OF BUILDABILITY

Though various researchers and organizations have introduced definition for buildabilty,
widely accepted definition was developed by were developed by the Construction Industry
Research and Information Association (CIRIA) in the UK which says,
Buildability is the extent to which the design of a building facilitates ease of construction,
subject to the overall requirements for the completed building (CIRIA, 1983:6).
6.2 PRINCIPLES OF BUILDABILITY
CIRIA, in their study of the construction industry, identified seven general principles of
buildability:
Carry out thorough investigation and design

Plan for essential site production requirements
Plan for a practical sequence of building operations and early enclosure
Plan for simplicity of assembly and logical trade sequences
Detail for maximum repetition and standardization
Detail for achievable tolerances
Specify robust and suitable materials
In general contrast, what these principles tries to implement is a building which is easy to
assemble with efficiency and minimized cost and after the service period, a building that could
be easily dissemble not to demolish and to reuse or the recycle to reduce the impact on the
environment.
6.3 IMPLICATION OF BUILDABILITY IN CONSTRUCTION

INDUSTRY
The modern industry of construction might not follow the exact definition of buildability to the
end. Proper quality, time management, waste production maintenance & even demolition are
just limited to general terms, where almost all the professionals involved in the construction
industry are only focused on the term "Cost". The inconsideration given upon achieving high
quality through a correct time frame can lead to the decaying of the building, where it would
be demolished and the demolition waste being haphazardly disposed would sooner or later
leading to great environment destruction.
Research into buildability is still relatively new and not especially well developed, but there
have already been major developments in identifying strategies, systems, and principles that
will help to achieve better assembly. Such strategies and principles can be adopted and design
for disassembly by extending responsibility for the building beyond its service life and using
the same design techniques that promote good assembly to promote good disassembly and the
pushing forward with pre cast components use in the industry. The knowledge base already
partially exists. Design for disassembly needs to concern itself with a holistic view of the
project goals. These might be the reduction of waste through materials recycling, or through
component reuse, or even total building relocation. A thorough understanding is however
needed of these goals in order to understand the buildability concept and its benefits.
Design for disassembly may in the short term have added possibly more costs to the building,
but on the much larger scale of the life cycle of resources, the long term benefits are potentially
much greater. But in the construction industry, which is responsible for such a large portion of
our resource use and waste production, buildabilty concept is much needed to adopt to save
ourselves in the future
Therefore, adopting the true concept of "Buildability" must be started in every construction and
a great opportunity to begin it would be the upcoming largest development project in Sri Lanka,
such as Colombo megapolise developments.
7. EMPLOYING CONCEPT OF BUILDABILITY

As discussed above concept of buildability mainly serves on constructing a sustainable,
efficient and eco friendl building and lets take a look at main advantages can be achieved in
using buildability in terms of health and safety efficiency, economy and quality of construction.
7.1 BUILDABILITY ON HEALTH AND SAFETY

Main purpose of a constructed building is to provide a shelter for the habitants to dwell and to
be safe and separate from outside. In this regard, health and safety measures comes into the
play since of the designing the building to its removal after the life expectancy. As explained
before, concept of buildability is used since the inception of the idea and following are some
of advantages can be achieved,
ADVANTAGES
Buildings Will be designed in target of specific crowd its gonna be using and can
implement safety measures accordance with it. Eg. If its gonna be used for an office
of accounting department, the firefighting systems can have reduction of
implementation costs but the use of a lab will require more attention to firefighting
systems.
While in construction stages, buildability concept push towards the use of pre cast
components to be used in places as much as possible. Mostly the pre cast
components such as slabs, beams, decks, staircases, claddings, curtain wall panels
are fabricated in factories where specifically trained professionals are involved. In
contrast to in situ manufacturing of these with all the concrete, reinforcements
plants and machineries, use of pre cast ensures the in site working safety. Ex. Think
of a basement reinforcement cage and people working in it. How much care needs
to be taken to prevent a tragic accidents? But use of precast would remove all those
mess within the site.
And also, mixing of concrete in situ leads numerous diseases such as asthma and
breathing problems by the small dust and particles of aggregate, or cement and
materials. But use of pre cast would avoid this.
Buildability concept pushes on designs that ease of assembly. That means less
complicated works which leads to less accidents. Old time steel structures were
welded by welders while they are going to dangerous places and using hazardous
equipment. But in time, new designs emerged that not needing to weld but bolting
which is easy and faster.
And other part of buildability main concern is ease of disassembly, this would mean
that buildings are easier to remove and components can be reused and recycled.
Which would cut more than in half of the construction waste thats hazardous to the
health.
DISADVANTEGES
Main disadvantage can be considered as lack of professionals. This would

ultimately leads to accidents in worksite. Ex. Pre cast wall panels that needs to be
installed on 50th floor needs a supervision and the knowledge n fixing. It maybe
easy but without the knowledge trying to get it done may lead to severe accidents.
7.2 BUILDABILITY ON EFFICIENCY

ADVANTAGES
Accelerated Construction
With use of all these new technologies and concepts, ultimate goal of construction
is to deliver the product faster, high in quality with reduced cost. In terms of
employing buidability, main aspect of the principles is to improve the efficiency.
Designing of easy to install units and designs that act as a whole and introducing
new construction methods and products and use of pre case all leads to increase in
construction speed.
Less Errors
With the principles of buildability, thorough investigation of the site and other
details are carried out and design is done accordingly. All the necessary decisions
will be taken at the design stage and with it provided drawings are near to perfect
and less chance of mistakes to be happen.
Ease of Adjustments
Ease of assembly and disassembly is the main target of buildability. In regard of
that all the components will be designed accordingly and if a deviation needs to be
made, it ll be faster to cater and carry on working.
DISADVANTAGES
Need of Professionals
Same as above, all these new technology and concepts require the professionals
who aware. And this may lead to significant lag in terms of construction efficiency
if there was not enough professionals to be employed.
Slow Initialization
All the thorough investigations and designing process which takes place in pre
contract period may lead to longer initialization time than traditional design and
build methods.
7.3 BUILDABILITY ON ECONOMY AND QUALITY OF

CONSTRUCTION
ADVANTAGES
Cost and Quality Advantage of using precast.

Use of pre cast in large projects is much cost effective overall than of in situ
constructions. And the quality is increased due to the components are built in
controlled environments of outside factories.
Long term profitability

As of the design principles, buildings are designed taken all the aspects of future
needs and the removal of the building, in long run, there wont be much hassle
and effort to change a part of the building and even after the removal of the
building client can make money out of these parts removed.
Less variations
Thorough design and considerations leads to less variation in construction stage
and after. Therefore saving the money and essentially the time. More the time
building can be rented out, more the profit earned. Buildability ensure that this
is achieved.
Less maintenance cost

As everything is planned out from the design to construction process to
materials to be used, the quality of the construction will be essentially increased
and ultimately leads to a easy to maintain building with no or less sudden
maintenance requiring.
DISADVANTAGES
Need of trained professionals

As mentioned above, to achieve these goals set, need of professionals. Lack of
knowledgeable professional team would decrease the quality and leads to
unexpected problems.
High initialization cost

Planning of this much of accuracy and employing specific trained professionals
can lead to high amount of initialization cost.
7.4 EMPLOYING BUILDABILITY IN 60 STORY BUILDING

Although this can be talked in wide range of the buildability concept, following are
points that concept of builadability give to attain a successful completion of this 60 story
building.
Initially at the design stage investigation being carried out and decided upon use of
diaphragm walls which maybe high in cost but allows faster construction with water
tight area to be work safely and later it can be used as walls in the basement and in
dissembly stage it can be taken out easily too.
Use of newer technology to determine the construction techniques that needs to be

employed to make this successful with the designs easy to assemble and dissemble
which are slip form shuttering for core and columns and mixed pile foundations.
Pushing towards use of pre cast components such as floor slabs, ceiling frames, stair
cases and anything as much as possible leads to faster quality and cost effective
construction.
Use of pre cast wall paneling of curtain walls leads to faster construction with reduced
cost with many benefits like more natural lighting, aesthetic looking and easy to
maintain structure.
After the end of life cycle, its easy to dissemble each of these components as from
installation of building services to outer frame is made on pre cast tech where ever
possible and reduces the construction waste.
8. SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
The worlds population continues to grow creating an increased need for more houses,
buildings, and public infrastructure. Energy consumption, waste production and water
consumption continues to increase. If resources are miss used the ability of future generations
to adequately meet their needs will be significantly reduced.
Since the industrial revolution, the world has seen rapid advancement in technology,
population growth and increase in resource use. In this century, we are recognizing the side
effects of development such as landfills, flood, global warming and others. All this happens
cause to the lack of proper planning in development stage. All this are straining the earths
capacity and ability to sustain the life on it.
The construction industry is responsible for the intensive use of energy both directly, in
the creation of buildings and infrastructure, and indirectly, in the operational phase. As well
as the carbon dioxide which is produced, a variety of other pollution is caused by
construction processes and buildings in use.
Thoughtful planning and design can have a major impact on reducing energy use and
pollution over a buildings entire lifetime. The number of more sustainable solutions is
growing rapidly and many of these can provide substantial financial savings, as well as
environmental benefits. This is particularly the case when they are considered at the earliest
possible stage of a project and where long term benefits are fully taken into account.
8.1 SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

There are many definitions for sustainable development. The world Commision on
Environment and Development (WCED) had defines the sustainable development is
development which meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of future
generation to meet their own needs (Bourdeau, 2000)
Based on above definition of development, Charles J. Kibert defines sustainable

construction as creation and responsible management of a healthy built environment based on
resource efficiency and ecological principles (Malik et al, 2002)
Sustainable construction is generally used to describe the application of sustainable

development in construction industry.
8.2 KEY PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
There are 6 key principles for sustainable construction, presented by Charles J. Kibert,
University of Florida,
1. Minimization of resource consumption

2. Maximize of resource reuse
3. Use Renewable and recyclable resources
4. Protect the natural environment
5. Create a healthy and non-toxic environment
6. Pursue quality in creating the built environment
As a conclusion, sustainable construction principles can be defined as the way of creation

and responsibilities management in order to achieve a healthy built.
Buildings are need for our lives. Creating a better built-environments for human life is one
of us construction professionals mission. However in order to achieve this, we need to be
paying the serious attention about the sustainability principles. It is to make our built
environment will last for centuries not decades like past few years. One of the way is to change
the linear construction process to a cyclical process as it increases the reuse and recycling and
renewed resources.
Besides that, restoring damaged and polluted environments is another way of achieving
sustainability. The idea behind improving arid lands is to improve large-scale arid
environments like deserts and making them habitable for plants, animals and human beings.
Sustainable construction also involves considering the entire life cycle of the building,
taking environmental quality, functional quality and future values into account. Also
sustainable construction also involves that allow user to continue enjoying the standards of
living that we experience today. While at the same time ensuring future generations will have
access to the goods and services needed for their survival.
Sustainable construction also promotes efficient use of resources in the design,

construction and use of building by using recycle, reuse, ecology materials and others. It
focuses on minimizing waste production, minimizing energy consumption, conserving water
resources and respecting people and the environment.
9. MODERN AND TRADITIONALCONSTRUCTION
METHODS
In todays fast paced world many construction processes have been modernized in order to
increase efficiency and keep the cost down and be environmentally friendly. But in the
construction world there is still a place for traditional methods and techniques, yielding higher
quality, more unique results than those with modern constructional processes. Lets take a look
at these 2 processes separately and sustainable construction approach of modern construction
methods.
9.1 TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION METHODS

Most times traditional construction method implies of use of brick and mortar to construct
houses in early days and traditional huge strip foundations, timber formworks, in-situ concrete
structures with concrete floorings and roofs that are covered with Calicut tiles or asbestos
sheets in buildings.
The problem arise with these traditional methods is primarily the very long construction
time compared to new emerging techniques. And then as of the nowadays cost of construction
with these traditional methods has gone up compared to modern methods. And then there
comes the wastage and environmental impact of these construction. Most of the traditional
construction work is done on site and material wastage is very high and these construction
waste is making huge impact on the environment.
And then as discussed in previous chapters, in construction of buildings now needs to be

sustainable and environmental friendly and such concepts of buildability are trying to ensure
that. But most of the buildings and houses constructed in traditional methods are out of these
concepts and makes construction waste at the end of life span of the structure.
Advantage of these traditional method is the uniqueness and in some cases the higher
quality that can be achieved with it. As a example, if someone wants to build a wall with stones
in jungle, it is achievable with traditional construction method and it gives that structure the
uniqueness of it. Modern construction usually avoid these as it takes time and higher cost. In
the same manner if wall was built with modern methods of wall paneling, it will be a common
wall that available everywhere. And also, in western countries most of the houses use wooden
wall paneling where south Asian use brick and mortar. Both may have its ups and downs but
in contrast, traditional brick and mortar are way much more stronger and long lifespan than a
wood partition walls.
9.2 MODERN CONSTRUCTION METHODS
Modern methods of construction are high tech and complex and need a workforce capable
of adapting to new technologies that are rapidly evolving the construction industry. Everywhere
you look in the built environment whether it is new housing developments using modern
methods of construction, such as timber frame or flat pack construction, or the rapidly
developing new clean energy systems such as solar panels or wind turbine energy production.
Modern methods of construction have developed over time due to a number of contributing
factors. And now main target of introducing the new methods is to have a faster, low cost, high
efficiency, durable and sustainable construction of buildings. Main advancement of the new
method is moving to pre fabrication process from in situ fabrication.
Moving to pre fabrication processes allows great number of benefits to construction works
such as,
Reduce the effect of weather that has the effect on the time of the construction
The need to delivery of materials is less, therefore it reduces the disruption and the
fuel consumption.
Controlled manufacture
Less defects
High quality
Less energy use
Reduced wastage
Reduced labor requirement
Improved safety
More accurate costs forecast
Use of high quality materials
Faster construction
And more over new emerging trend is prefabricated modules of building that would
increase up the time of construction significantly.
Moreover, new MMC are concerned with sustainable construction and the buildability to
reduce the energy consumption and reduce the construction waste.
Sustainable construction is the act of using recycled materials or replenishable resources in

the construction process. Advances in technology allow devices such as solar panels and wind
turbines to be incorporated within the design process. This provides eco-friendly solutions to
the worlds high demand of non-renewable sources of energy. A good sustainable building is
one that lasts for a long time. It must be very efficient in the way it uses resources, both in the
construction and in the energy that it consumes. For a building to stay sustainable it must be
built in a way that makes it versatile and adaptable to its desired use over its lifetime.
Following are some of the sustainable construction practices commonly used,
Green roof concept
Usage of natural insulation materials
Using lime in building techniques
Rain water harvesting systems
Usage of non-toxic paints
Reclaiming of materials
Rehabilitation of old buildings
Use of buildability techniques
Green Roofing Concept

Green roofs are the roofs that has been planted with a specific vegetation with a well-
designed sustainable method.
Fig. 9-1Green Roofing
Benefit of having a green roofing can be listed as,
Increasing energy efficiency. (Cooling in summer and insulation in winter)

Filtering and cooling toxins from air.
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Reduce urban temperature and associated smog.
Preserving and enhancing bio-diversity.
Providing aesthetic appeal and green space using recreational opportunities.
Usage of natural insulation methods
Properly insulated building reduces the energy consumption by keeping the warm in
winter and cool in the summer. For the sake of energy efficiency, installation of insulation
materials for the building is more cost effective than the installation and the maintenance of
heating and cooling systems.
Many people tends to use insulation materials that are made from petrochemicals
including, fiberglass, mineral wool, polystyrene, polyurethane foam and multi foils because
they are inexpensive to buy and install. But they contain a wide range of chemical fire
retardants, adhesives and the energy needed in the manufacturing process is also very high.
As a sustainable alternative for insulation there are natural materials such as,
Sheep wool
Flax and hemp
Cellulose
Wood fiber
Expanded clay aggregate
Rain water harvesting systems
In houses, apartments or even in commercial buildings such as hotel widely use this
technique to collect the rain water as it can be used to cover certain water needs of the day such
as washing, watering plants, for bathrooms, etc. This technique saves a considerable amount
of water.
Fig. 9-2Rain water harvesting
Usage of non-toxic paints
All the paints contain the three components, pigment, binder and a carrier. Many modern
paints are made using toxic chemical that are harmful to the environment and also to the health.
Cadmium, lead and chromium are used as the pigments, petrochemicals solvents such as
benzene, formaldehyde are used as the carriers and binders. These are very harmful to the outer
environment and also for the health of the living beings.
To overcome this issue natural paints are the only true non-toxic paint as those natural
paints does not contain VOC. Natural paints are made from the materials such as water,
vegetable oils, plant dyes and natural minerals. The binders that are used are linseed oil, clay,
lime. Chalk is used to thicken the paint and essential oil from citrus fruits are taken as the
solvents.
9.3 BENFITS OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION APPROACH
By applying the sustainable construction, there are many benefits and advantages that
can be achieved in environmental, economic, social and health aspects. In terms of
environmental benefits, includes to improved air and water quality, reduced energy and water
consumption and reduced waste disposal. The economic benefits are arising in the long run
including, reduction in operating cost, maintenance cost and help in increasing the sales price
and rent. While the health and community benefits are achieved with enhanced occupant
comfort and health and reduced liability. To list out some of the benefits in simple manner is
as follows,
Resistance to the climatic changes
By insulating the buildings properly the heat exchange from the walls of the
buildings could be minimized. For this purpose as explained above natural materials such as,
sheep wool, wood fiber, etc. can be used.
Increase in energy efficiency
Less energy consumption, when the building is properly insulated, the need of
mechanical heating and air conditioning is minimal.
The reusing of materials also helps to reduce the consumption of energy, as the
need of manufacturing of materials of decreases.
By using of green materials also helps to save the energy as in the manufacturing
process of green materials less energy is embodied.
Use of solar panels and many open areas in buildings natural light and good
natural ventilation could be used.
Increase in Water efficiency
Through the method of rain water harvesting the rain water can be used for
washing purposes and also to water the plants, etc. From this method it reduces the amount of
water that is wasted.
Materials
Promoting use of sustainably source materials helps to conserve the environment and also for
good health
Less wastage
Reduced wastage through reuse and recycling of demolition and construction waste.
9.4 SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION STRATEGIES ADOPTED ON
60 STORY BUILDING
Land around the building will be developed with new vegetation and planting new
trees to make the environment feels more natural.
Thorough design analysis will be carried to ensure of construction process according

to buildability concepts to reduce construction waste at end of life.
As much as possible, modular pre cast components are to be used reducing the
material wastage on site and reducing the health and safety issues. Such as precast
flooring, beams and partition walls.
Curtain walls with solar panel inbuilt will be used for electricity generation and to
improve indoor lighting which would reduce the energy consumption significantly.
Wind mills on the roof top to be used to make use of the ample wind coming from the
sea side.
Building shape is designed to get the sun light throughout the whole day.
Wooden and cork flooring will be used in places such as hotel lobbies as it suits.
10. ENERGY REDUCING TECHNIQUES IN MULTI-
STORY BUILDINGS
Buildings are responsible for almost of 40% of global energy consumption and half of this
being used in construction stage and half will be used in life span of the building. Until recently,
where buildability concepts and sustainable construction strategies came into the play, high
rise multi-story buildings are considered as mega energy consumers.
However with new emerging technologies, this energy consumption of building can be reduced
drastically and with new sustainable strategies energy is conserved too.
Following are some of techniques used to reduce energy in high rise buildings,
10.1 VENTILATION
Ventilation is required to provide air to the occupiers of buildings, mostly remove body heat
and carbon dioxide from the environment. Natural ventilations become a significantly
attractive method for improve thermal comfort, decrease the use of mechanical usage for air
conditioning, reduce energy consumptions of air conditioned buildings and improve quality of
indoor air. Following are forms of natural ventilation systems in common use,
Cross Ventilation
When placing ventilation openings, you are placing inlets and outlets to optimize the
path air follows through the building. Windows or vents placed on opposite sides of the
building give natural breeze a pathway through the structure is called Cross Ventilation.
This is generally the most effective form of wind ventilation.
Fig. 10-1Cross Ventilation
Strategies for cross ventilation include operable windows, ventilation louvers, and rooftop
vents, as well as structures to aim or funnel breezes. Windows are the most common
tool. Advanced systems can have automated windows or louvers actuated by thermostats.
Use of Operable Windows
Fig. 10-2Use of operable Windows
Stack Ventilation
Stack effect is the movement of air into and out of buildings, chimneys, flue gas stacks,
or other containers, resulting from air buoyancy. Buoyancy occurs due to a difference
in indoor-to-outdoor air density resulting from temperature and moisture differences.
This is effect depends on thermal forces and difference in temperature.
Fig. 10-3Stack Ventilation
These kind of natural ventilations systems can only be incorporated with building as much as
of 10 15 floors or lower. But for the buildings that reaches higher needs to be rely on the HVAC
systems as the wind pressure is high. And somewhat of natural ventilation can be achieved
through a stack system.
10.2 NATURAL LIGHTING
GLASS CURTAIN WALLS
A curtain wall is defined as thin, usually aluminum-framed wall, containing in-fills of glass,
metal panels, or thin stone. The framing is attached to the building structure and does not carry
the floor or roof loads of the building. Curtain walls despite the large areas of glass, protection
against sun is more important. This being achieved by using good thermal insulation in modern
Facades and natural light to come inside.
Fig. 10-4Glass Curtain Walls of High Rise
SKY LIGHTS
Skylights bring natural light in to buildings offices, improving visibility and lifting our spirits.
By using this technique we can brighten large space areas like hallways, corridors not using
electricity but also by natural ventilation system.
Installing a skylight in a commercial or residential building brings a taste of the outdoors in, as
well as brightening up the environment with natural light. In an energy-efficient steel building,
the addition of a skylight enhances its sustainability while adding to the beauty of the structure.
Choosing the right skylights for a metal building requires consideration of a number of factors,
including;
Location.
Orientation.
Materials.
Installation.
All these affect the efficiency of the skylight in terms of lighting, heat gain or loss and longevity
of the feature.
Fig. 10-5Use of SkyLights and Types
10.3 ELECTRICTY
SOLAR PANELS
Solar energy is obtained from Sun and is being converted to other energy forms that can be
used to run. It can be specially mentioned that the solution for the energy demand through
solar energy, with adaptations of its own elements. It also is a considerable point either mixed
or generally used. Their shape is also a mindful point when it concerns the energy
consumption.
Collect sunlight and convert it in to electricity.

140 solar panels on the roof top.( Each costing Rs.200 000)
Energy consumption of the building reduced by 40% than a conventional building.
Required 60% is generated through solar power.
Advantages.
Non-polluting: no noise, harmful or unpleasant emissions or smells.
Reliable: most solar panels have a 25 year warranty and even longer life expectancy.
Solar modules over their lifetime produce more power per gram of material than
nuclear power but without the problem of large volumes of environmentally
hazardous material.
Solar panels produce more power within 5 years than the power consumed in their
production.
Solar power is a renewable energy source. It cannot be used up thus is effective in
reducing the usage of fossil fuels.
Save more money in the long run.
Disadvantages.
We are unable to utilize the power of the sun at night or cloudy days.
Solar panels are expensive to buy and hard to set up.
Fig. 10-7Solar Panels Fixed Fig. 10-6Solar Panels fixed on roof tops
on facade without damaging
the looks
WIND TURBINES
High rise buildings and skyscrapers can incorporate wind turbines to generate electricity as
well as use of solar farming technique.
Fig. 10-8Wind Turbines fixed on high rise building
10.4 RAIN WATER HARVESTING
As well as described mentioned above in sustainable construction chapter, RWH technology
consists of simple systems to collect, convey, and store rainwater. Rainwater capture is
accomplished primarily from roof-top, surface runoff, and other surfaces. RWH either captures
stored rainwater for direct use.
In many cases, RWH systems are used in conjunction with Aquifer Storage and Recovery
(ASR). ASR is the introduction of RWH collected rainwater to the groundwater / aquifer
through various structures in excess of what would naturally infiltrate then recovered for use.
By using this technique we can conserve and supplement existing water resources, supply water
at one of the lowest costs possible for a supplemental supply source, capturing and directing
storm water and beneficially we can use it etc. The components of RWH as below;
Catchment Delivery Storage
Advantages.
Makes use of a natural resource and reduces flooding, storm water runoff, erosion, and
contamination of surface water with pesticides, sediment, metals, and fertilizers.
Reduces the need for imported water.
Excellent source of water for landscape irrigation, with no chemicals such as fluoride
and chlorine, and no dissolved salts and minerals from the soil.
Home systems can be relatively simple to install and operate May reduce your water
bill.
Promotes both water and energy conservation.
No filtration system required for landscape irrigation.
All of these technologies are used to reduce the huge energy consumption of buildings and if
properly implemented and maintained, building can run itself without depending on the non-
renewable energy that whole world is currently relying as the solar power, wind power and
rain water sources would never be run out.
11. BUILDING ADAPTATION, ALTERATION AND
REPARING TECHNIQUES
As we are moving to the era of sustainable construction strategies involving, primary
concern is to plan for the future of the building including its functionality and usability.
When a client wants to have building, he may initially have a plan with him what he want
to do with the space, maybe rented, maybe use for his own works and he would discuss with
the architects and the developers and building will be designed accordance to the need at the
moment. But what happens when the client wants to change of his business or he had to change
the way hes gonna use the building. It is needed to plan, design and constructed accordance to
fulfill or ease of fulfilling these needs.
Moreover after some time of initial time of building, new occupants move in and they
want to make change in how the space is divided inside their leased floor area. In this case if
the building was built using some load bearing walls in that area needs to be changed, its gonna
be a problem to change the structure.
And as an example, Dutch hospital of Colombo was built initially as a hospital but now
its a luxury shopping mall. It may or may not had the ease of converting it to a shopping mall
but the point is how the needs can be changed over time. Buildings are built to last decades and
new sustainable construction are aiming for centuries of life span.
To ensure this flexibility is what the sustainable construction and buildability concepts
are trying to achive. To not to waste space or demolish the building but to convert adapt and
reuse as much as possible.
In modern buildings, framed tube was used as structure and this gives the ultimate
flexibility to change the spaces inside the buildings freely by keeping the floor area free of load
bearing components and free from building services. And most of the walls and components
can be removed and fixed in new positions easily such as partition walls, removable curtain
walls, flooring etc.
Unlike above scenario, when old buildings are need to be adapted to the current
requirements, such as when Colombo megapolise development will be continuing, among
construction of high rise buildings, there will be old buildings which are currently in use or
abandoned. Demolition of these would cause a heavy environmental impact and therefore
before demolition it is considering to see if the building can be adapted to current requirements.
11.1 BUILDING ADAPTATION
When a new building is designed and constructed there is an expectation that certain levels
of performance will be met. Over the life of the building its physical condition can deteriorate
significantly, e.g. due to the effect of the weather or day-to-day wear and tear, and this can have
a significant impact on the ability of the building to meet the expectations of the occupants.
This deterioration can be mitigated through maintenance and repair, and most building owners
or occupiers undertake general maintenance and repairs on their properties.
When the building reaches a point where it has fallen below the minimum acceptable
standard of performance, a major decision has to be made. Essentially there are three broad
choices:
Sell the building and its site and identify an alternative building.
Demolish the existing building and construct a new building in its place.
Undertake works to the existing building to bring the building up to a completely new
level of performance (Adaptation)
In general terms Adaptation means the process of adjustments and alterations of a

structure of a building and or its environment to fit or suite new conditions.
There are 3 main forms of building adaptation,
Conversions
Work including a change in function or change in use, such as converting office block
to into residential use.
Extension
Work that includes an increase in size, which can be horizontal or vertical development.
Which is basically expanding the floor area as of the requirement.
Refurbishment
Work that is change in performance. Giving the building new services and make over to
improve the functionality.
Other than these 3 there are other methods that comes under the building adaptation is
terms of its functionality,
Conservation (restoring)
There is a process to accurately represent the form, character and features of a property as it
appeared during a certain period of time in the past. Reconstruction of missing parts, the
significant improvement in electrical, mechanical and plumbing can be seen.
Maintenance
Generally, this can be considered small renovations of a building. This is done almost
continuously or regularly during both long and short periods. In term meaning of adaptation
goes beyond the maintenance but this is also a one form of restoring a building to its functional
state.
Alterations (Re-Modeling)
A change in formation, made to the current requirement. Maybe constructing new walls or
removing existing ones without alterations to the building structure.
11.2 BENEFITS OF BUILDING ADAPTATION

Building Availability
Simply this means that there are buildings available. If someone needs to lease or own
a space for respected work, there is a building already available which is ready to be
used after adapting.
Construction cost is less
Costs of carrying out works to an existing building will be cheaper than those incurred
in demolishing and constructing a new building.
Shorter development time
Generally, the overall period for a project involving works to an existing building is
likely to be shorter than that required for a new building.
Use of Existing infrastructure
When new buildings are constructed it is generally necessary to provide a completely

new infrastructure for them, including roads, drainage, water supply, electricity, gas,
telecommunications, etc. When existing buildings are re-used, the infrastructure may
already exist, even if upgrading may be required. Significant cost advantages can
therefore be achieved.
Architectural and Historical value
Some buildings may have significant architectural or historical value which cannot be
recreated anyhow. Like of the Dalada Maligawa kandy or ruins at Anuradhapura. If
these can be preserved its value is incalculable.
Sustainability
And of course the sustainability, as discussed in above chapters, buildings are

responsible for almost of 30% of global energy use and this is becoming a huge
problem in modern world. Half of it while in construction period and other while in
operational. Adaptation of existing buildings and reusing is saving significant energy
rather than a building it from start.
While adaptation of buildings are commencing many of the factors needs to be

considered. Among that, suitability of the building for required purpose, feasibility of adapting
the building, and the structural strength and the space availability, damages to the building
structure and early use considerations are vital. And also the various countries have different
rules and regulations for these building alteration purposes,
According to Sri Lankan housing and town improvement ordinance,
Changes should not be made to buildings within the limits given by a local authority,
except in accordance with the plans, specifications approved by the president.In the section the
word alterations are referred to the work such as,
The construction of a roof or any part such as external or a party wall.
The closing or construction of any door or window in an external wall.
The construction of internal wall partitions.
Any other alteration of the internal arrangements of a building which effect any change in
the open space attached to such building or its drainage, ventilation or sanitary arrangements.
The addition of any building room, outhouse or any other structure.
The roofing of any space between one or more wall buildings
The conversion into a dwelling house of any building not originally constructed for human
habitation.
The conversion into more than one place for human habitation of a building originally
constructed as one place.
The conversion of two or more places of human habitation in to greater number of such
places.
The alteration of a building for the purpose of affecting a partition among joint owners.
Re-erection of any part of the building demolished for the purpose of such re-erection or
else destroyed.
Law in requiring maintenance is not usually to preserve facilities or to safeguard investment,

but to protect persons from risk.
Fig. 11-1Dutch Hospital Colombo Renovation
Fig. 11-2Colombo Race Course Building renovation
12. BUILDING DEMOLITION METHODS
Demolition is the tearing-down of buildings and other structures. Demolition contrasts with
deconstruction, which involves taking a building apart while carefully preserving valuable
elements for re-use.
For small buildings, such as houses, that are only two or three stories high, demolition is a
rather simple process. The building is pulled down either manually or mechanically using large
hydraulic equipment. But for larger multi-story buildings, demolition works needs to be
carefully planned and use of precise methods needs to be incorporated according to what needs
to be demolished, location of the building, size of the building, structural strength and many
other safety precautions need to be taken.
Following are some of most commonly used demolition methods, and precautions needs to be
taken before continuing the works.
Demolition by hand
Demolition with the ball
Demolition by pusher arm
Demolition by deliberate collapse
Demolition by wire rope pulling
Demolition by explosion or implosion
High reach (or long reach) demolition excavators
Demolition by hand
Buildings located in urban areas in tighter spaces where any other machineries cannot be
used, hand demolition is incorporated to prevent the damaging to adjacent buildings by
demolition works. Process is slow and time consuming but its the only way that can be
used in this scenarios. Hand tools will be used and maybe backhoe arms will be used to
support the walls.
Fig. 12-1Hand Demolition
Demolition by wrecking ball
By balling most of the structures could be demolished. This is an effective method of

demolition when demolishing multi-story buildings that have subjected to structural
damage. Specially trained operators and safety precautions needs to be taken in using
this kind of heavy machinery. It is much faster compared to by hand method and some
of other demolition works. But it depends on the structure and space available.
Safety precautions and guide lines to follow on use of wrecking ball method,
The boom angle when balling should not be more than 60to the horizontal. The top of the
boom should not be less than three meters above the wall being knocked down.
The SWL for the machine must be at least three times the weight of the ball.
When not being dropped, the ball should be used with a tag line to keep it under control.
Swinging the ball by slewing is particularly hard on the machine.
This work can be done safely only on very robust machines driven by very skilled
operators.
The ball should be positively fixed in such a manner to prevent it becoming disconnected
by slack in the load line or other causes. These connections should be checked hourly.
Beware of a trapped ball: getting it free may overload the crane.
Always operate from outside the building.
Any other building nearer than a distance equal to half the height of the building being
demolished is in danger.
Keep the public well away from balling operations.
Keep employees clear of the demolition area and make sure that the area is clear each time
demolition resumes after a break.
Remember that the shocks from a building being knocked down can be felt in any attached
building. Avoid damage to attached buildings by detaching them: hand demolition is
necessary for this.
When a building is being demolished by ball and crane, the crane should provide for
sufficient drop height and the ball should be of sufficient weight to enable suitable force to
pass through all floor levels of the building.
Avoid build-up of debris on floors and against walls.
A heavy-duty swivel joint must be provided between the ball and the end of the crane
rope.
Check the ball, swivel, rope and the rigging hourly.
(Worksafe new Zealand, 2013)
Demolition by pusher arm
A powered hydraulic tappet arm machine is mounted on a tracked chassis or wheels, this
method is not recommended for large building but it is good for small masonry structure,
the building is demolished using the push arms.
Fig. 12-2Demolition by Pusher arm
Same as with the above method, safety precautions and guidelines can be seen by referring
the same document (Worksafe new Zealand, 2013).
Demolition by deliberate collapse
Method of removing the key structural components and high precision work of engineers is
needed. Most suitable for demolition of bridges, silos, chineys etc.
Fig. 12-3Deliberate Collapse
Demolition by wire rope pulling
Basically another form of deliberate collapse method .In this method the cables and wire
ropes are fixed to key structural components and then pulled by the tractors or winches. This
method is suitable for detached buildings where there is plenty of surrounding room. Mainly
can be used to demolish buildings with timber framed buildings, bridges and brick, masonry
or steel chimneys, etc. not commonly used nowadays as results are unexpected.
Demolition by explosion or implosion
In the controlled demolition industry, building implosion is the strategic placing of explosive
material and timing of its detonation so that a structure collapses on itself in a matter of
seconds, minimizing the physical damage to its immediate surroundings. Despite its
terminology, building implosion also includes the controlled demolition of other structures,
such as bridges, smokestacks, towers, and tunnels.(wiki, 2016)
Fig. 12-4Demolition by implosion
High reach arms ( or long reach )
These excavators can be defined as the one that has a long boom arm. From this controlled
demolition of multi-story structures can be done to a safe height where the conventional
excavators cannot continue. Boom lengths can be varied from 19 meters to 50 meters.
Fig. 12-5High Reach Arms
13. CONCLUSION
This brief report on prepared on technology of high rise building construction in contrast
to ongoing development project of Colombo Megapolise development scheme aimed to
provide basic knowledge of how multi story building construction differ from general
construction procedures and the incorporating of buildability and sustainability principles in
construction for the sake of our future and next generations future.
From first chapter to last chapter, it is discussed how these high rises are made to stand tall
on the ground with structural forms that are being used and then construction techniques used
to construct buildings in time, quality and within the budget. Then on how the inside of the
buiding is prepared for use with internal spatial planning systems constructions processes of
them.
Then moving on to the economic, environmental aspects of construction technology,

buildability concept was discussed and advantages of it with parallel of sustainable
construction strategies and how these can be applied to ongoing projects.
After moving on with identification of building as the mega energy consumers in the world
and the problems we are facing, technological methods of reducing the energy consumption is
introduced.
And then, methods of building adaptation technologies are introduced and lastly the
demolition methods with safety precautions that needs to be taken are discussed.
14. REFERENCES
Anon., 2013. Buildability and Constructability. [Online]

Available at:
http://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/bitstream/handle/10635/13842/CHAPTER__2__Page_15to_40
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[Accessed 10 6 2016].
Anon., 2013. High Rise Structural Systems. [Online]

Available at: http://www.slideshare.net/aks254447/highrise-structural-systems
[Accessed 10 6 2016].
Anon., 2014. Steel Frame Structures. [Online]

Available at: http://www.understandconstruction.com/steel-frame-structures.html
[Accessed 10 6 2016].
Anon., 2015. High Rise Structures. [Online]

Available at: http://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/high-rise-structures/5/
[Accessed 10 6 2016].
Anon., 2015. Subject Wiki For Moment Resisting Frame. [Online]

Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel_moment-resisting_frame
[Accessed 10 6 2016].
Anon., n.d. Modern Construction. [Online]

Available at: https://lucidexample.com/construction/modern-construction/
[Accessed 10 6 2016].
Cowther, P., 2002. Design for Buildability and Deconstruction Consequences, Brisbane,
Australia: Queensland University of Technology.
Suresh, K., 2015. Structural Systems in High Rise Buildings. [Online]

Available at: http://www.slideshare.net/reachkarthiksuresh/structural-systems-in-high-rise-
buildings
[Accessed 10 6 2016].
Bourdeau, L.(2000). The Agenda 21 on Sustainable Construction. CIB Symposium on

Construction & Environment. November 23-24. Sao Paulo Brazil
Malik M.A. Khalfan(2002). Sustainable Development and sustainable Construction:A

Literature Review on C-SanD Project. Department of Civil Engineering, Loughbrough
University.
Business.govt.nz, (2015). Section 6 - Methods of demolition | Worksafe. [online] Available at:
http://www.business.govt.nz/worksafe/information-guidance/all-guidance-items/best-
practice-guidelines-for-demolition-in-new-zealand/methods-of-demolition [Accessed 4 Jan.
2015].

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Erection of complex multi-story structures and the use of modern systems

in internal space planning and design and application of Sustainable

B. Bihan Chathuranga Fernando

A report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

Higher National Diploma in Quantity Surveying

Lecturer: Mr. Gamini Rajakaruna

International College of Business and Technology

I would like to express my special gratitude and deepest appreciation to The

Furthermore, it is my great pleasure to bestow my sincere thanks to my parents and my

2. Forms of structural design ..................................................................................................... 3

3. Techniques used in high rise building construction ............................................................ 13

4. Systems used for flexibilty of internal spatial planning ...................................................... 23

6. Principles of buildability ..................................................................................................... 32

7. Employing concept of buildability ...................................................................................... 34

8. Sustainable construction ...................................................................................................... 38

9. Modern and traditionalconstruction methods ...................................................................... 40

10. Energy reducing techniques in multi-story buildings .................................................. 46

11. Building adaptation, alteration and reparing techniques.............................................. 52

13. Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 62

14. References .................................................................................................................... 63

Fig. 1-1Render of Port City ....................................................................................................... 2

DEMAND FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS

Scarcity of land area in urban cities.

COLOMBO MEGAPOLISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Fig. 1-2Designer render of colombo Fig. 1-1Render of Port City

Fig. 1-3Megapolise Development Region

2.1 Loads on Building Structure

Special Load Cases

Fig. 2-1 Effect of Wind and Lateral loads

Low Rise Buildings Up to 5 floors

These different kind of buildings use different kinds of structures in consideration of

Moment Resisting Frames

2.2.1 MOMENT RESISTING FRAMES

Rigid frames can be used on buildings up to 50 floors with varying supportive

Fig. 2-3Empire State building,USA(Moment Resisting Frame)

SHEAR WALLS AND BRACINGS

Fig. 2-4Shear Walls

Fig. 2-5John Hancock Center,Chicago(Steel Bracings)

Ease of Construction. Designing is comparably easier and less drawing details

DISADVANTAGES OF USING MOMENT RESISTING STRUCTURAL

Fig. 2-6World Trade Center,USA(Framed Tube Structure)

Fig. 2-7Bank of China, Hong Kong(Trussed Tube)

Fig. 2-8Sears Tower,Chicago(bundled Tube)

Fig. 2-9Lumbago Tatung Haji Tower,Kualampur(Hull Core)

ADVANTAGES OF USING TUBE FRAMES

DISADVANTAGES OF USING TUBE FRAMES

Comparably construction cost is high.

Fig. 2-10Proposed 60 Story Building

This 60 story building is to be developed as a commercial multi-purpose building as it

FRAMED TUBE AS THE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

RAFT PILE FOUNDATIONS

End Bearing Piles

Fig. 3-3-1Pile Types

Fig. 3-3-2Typical Pile Foundation

Fig.3-3-4Modern Raft mixed pile

Below are some pictures of diaphragm wall construction,

Fig. 3-3-6Diaphragm Walls at WTC, New York

Fig. 3-3-7Excavation for Diaphragm Walls

SLIP FORM SHUTTERING

Fig. 3-3-8Slip Form Shuttering Diagram

Fig. 3-3-9Use of Slip Form

Fig. 3-3-10Column Formwork System

VERTICAL PANEL SYSTEMS

Fig. 3-3-11Vertical Panel Systems