Structural Design Challenges for Plaza 66 Tower 2: Fid-Bau Portal

Structural Design Challenges for Plaza 66 Tower 2

Poon, Dennis C. K. / Hsiao, Ling-en / Zuo, Steve / Zhu, Yi

The Plaza 66 Tower 2, recently completed in Shanghai, China, balances the demands of structural engineering, architectural vision and construction constraints. This is a 46-story concrete moment frame and core wall structure. The unique design by architect KPF posed many engineering challenges to be resolved. Although modern computer technology allows for precise analyses and design of various systems for high-rise buildings, it does not readily provide insight for choosing among the alternative systems to arrive at the best overall design. This paper presents our design and analysis process, from the conceptual phase to detailed design, during which we resolved the following engineering challenges: (1) Determining and mitigating effects of pile mat foundation differential settlement, addressed through multiple stages of finite element analysis models. (2) Determining a cost-effective structural system by developing multiple options, using approximate analysis, and a cost comparison database. (3) Designing a curved 65 m (215 ft) long span steel bridge between two towers, an important architectural and functional feature. (4) Designing and detailing another important architectural feature, a two-way sloped steel cantilever thin steel lantern, using a three-dimensional structural information model to help both analysis and accuracy in connection details to benefit all members of the project team.