Testing As a Validation Tool for Tall, Non-Prescriptive Buildings in China

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) has been designing tall and complex buildings in China for close to two decades. The process of design of such buildings in China typically involves a detailed review by a panel of experts at the end of the Design Development phase. These expert panel reviews (EPR) are intended to validate the building designs, particularly when the buildings exceed the prescriptive limits and requirements of the codes. In specific instances, for instances where complex or new connection types are used or a when unique building forms or structural systems are proposed, the reviewing experts recommend that physical testing be performed as part of the approval requirements. Several of SOM's structures have involved testing; of components as well of the entire building structures. The paper presents a summary of the testing performed on several projects as it relates to the validation of the component design and system selection.