Title: Study of torsion and combined shear stresses in the central core of tall twisting buildings

Authors: Tooba Arshad; Syed Majid Hashmi; Mohd. Nazim Raza; Abdullah Shariff

Addresses: Structural Engineering, Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology (MJCET), Hyderabad, India ' KMH Engineering, Bldg. No. 1749, Banjara Hills, Rd no. 12, Hyderabad, India ' Department of Civil Engineering, Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology (MJCET), Hyderabad, India ' Department of Civil Engineering, Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology (MJCET), Hyderabad, India

Abstract: Twisted building features gradually rotating floors throughout its height and serves as a picturesque addition to a city's skyline. However, it is important to acknowledge the risks associated with its structural performance due to the torsion induced in these structures as a consequence of its twisting nature. There is also an increase in shear stresses in structural elements, especially in the vertical members. Elevated shear stresses can lead to shear failures, which are critical for the overall integrity of the building. Thus, this research aims to study the torsion generated in a twisted building due to gravity and lateral loads using CSI ETABS 20. The study was conducted on several models that varied in terms of angle of twist and height of the building. Additionally, a manual calculation of torsion developed in the core of twisted building is also worked out to verify the results obtained from the software. When comparing straight building models to twisted building models, it was evident that the latter experienced notably increased torsion when exposed to gravity and seismic loads, however, twisted buildings demonstrated superior performance against wind loads, attributed to their aerodynamic helical shape.

Keywords: twisting building; circular core wall; torsion; shear stress; gravity load; wind load; seismic load; base shear; storey displacement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTRUCTE.2025.144368

International Journal of Structural Engineering, 2025 Vol.15 No.1, pp.47 - 68

Received: 05 Mar 2024
Accepted: 15 Nov 2024
Published online: 10 Feb 2025 *