TECHNICAL PAPERS
Nov 1, 1984
Tree Beam Continuum Element: Two Case Histories
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 110, Issue 11
Abstract
The development of a unique lateral load resistant system for two tall and slender office towers is described. System design development is documented for a 52‐level downtown office tower with a frame aspect ratio (height/least width) in excess of 6.85 and a 45‐level suburban office tower with a frame aspect ratio in excess of 5.50. Due to limitations imposed by the buildings' configuration, conventional structural systems proved ineffective in resisting the applied hurricane loading. The tree beam continuum element was developed whereby a rigid girder with intermediate vertical cross arms above or below, or both, was connected between the braced core and the perimeter columns. The cross arms introduced a point of reverse bending in the wind girders, thus greatly augmenting their strength and stiffness. The tree beam system and a variation known as the staggered tree beam system provided a continuum element that elastically constrained the perimeter columns to resist overturning forces. The tree beam concept common to the two structures is explained in detail. Critical design aspects to be considered in the detailing of the “tree beam modules” are presented.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
Copyright © 1984 ASCE.
History
Published online: Nov 1, 1984
Published in print: Nov 1984
Permissions
Request permissions for this article.
Authors
Affiliations
James S. Notch, M. ASCE
Vice Pres., Ellisor & Tanner, Inc., Houston, Tex.
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.
View Options
Get Access
Access content
Please select your options to get access
Log in/Register
Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members:
Please log in to see member pricing
Purchase
Save for later Item saved, go to cart Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Get Access
Access content
Please select your options to get access
Log in/Register
Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members:
Please log in to see member pricing
Purchase
Save for later Item saved, go to cart Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.