Abstract:
This research introduces a new structural system for timber high-rise buildings, which is called Integrated Timber Central Core (ITCC) system. The core runs full height of the building, acting as a cantilever to resist lateral loads. The integrated central core is composed of core columns and core beams that made up of CLT-LVL panels. Edges of the adjacent column panels are key shaped in order to ensure that they can be meshed together as an integral component. Viability of this structural system was discussed in this research from both structural and architectural perspectives. The laboratory test for the core corner joint presented in the report may prove the effectiveness of the ITCC system. The shear strength of the key shaped corner joint is much higher than the shear strength required for supporting a 20 level prototype building applying ITCC system. Loads can be successfully transferred between the panels. In addition, all the test specimens were failed in a ductile manner. In order to investigate suitable building types for ITCC system, comparisons between an existing timber commercial building - 25 King Street office building and its equivalent redesigned building applying ITCC system is also made. A relatively small timber volume is required, and there are potential cost savings. From an architectural perspective, a central core arrangement can help to create bright working spaces and efficient circulation routes. When applying the ITCC system to residential buildings, columns placed along the building perimeter may need to be substituted by exterior walls in order to meet the requirements for living spaces.
