Sense of place

Abstract

Cost consciousness is a prime consideration with developments, in Richmond, Va., for Arboretum III, one in a series of buildings in the office park. One of the major considerations was the need for flexibility for power distribution and telephone and computer lines. Composite structural steel framing with 3 inches composite floor decking was the best design to solve the problem, along with aestetic requirement. The total weight of the steel structure was determined as 40% less than for concrete structure. This paper discusses the relative savings of steel structure. Even more savings were realized through the use of Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD).