Prediction of Time-dependent Lateral Movement Induced by Differential Shortening in Tall Buildings Using Construction Stage Analysis

Abstract

High-rise buildings move during construction due to time-dependent material properties of concrete (creep and shrinkage), construction sequences, and structural shapes. The building movements, including vertical and horizontal displacements, result from the sum of axial and lateral deformation of vertical members at each level. In addition to the vertical shortenings, the lateral movement induced by differential shortening can have adverse effects on the construction tolerance and serviceability of non-structural elements such as elevators and curtain walls. In this study a construction stage analysis method is developed to predict lateral movement induced by shortening, including the effect of creep and shrinkage. The algorithm of construction stage analysis is combined with the FE analysis program. It is then applied to predict lateral movement of a 58-story reinforced concrete building that was constructed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Gravity induced lateral movement of this building is predicted by the construction stage analysis. A field three-dimensional laser scanning survey is carried out to verify the prediction results, and satisfactory agreement is obtained.