Practical Limits to a Skyscraper - Case Study Example

Practical Limits to a SkyscraperThere has been considerable debate regarding the maximum possible height of skyscrapers between architects and engineers for long. It is conventionally thought that structural materials have limited strength. Therefore, too much increase in the height of a structure may put unbearable pressure on the materials used particularly on the lower stories. Steel is one of the most fundamental materials that are commonly employed in the construction of skyscrapers. Steel can support structures of height about 6.

2 miles or even more than that, whereas advanced composite steel has the tendency to support as much as 62 miles tall skyscrapers (Anissimov). Skyscrapers (layoutsparks.com).Therefore, limiting strength of the structural materials is not the cardinal factors that may impose limits on the height of a skyscraper. There are several other factors that dictate the constructors the height of a skyscraper. There is no doubt in the fact that a skyscraper is mostly empty, because it is supposed to provide room for the inhabitants.

Therefore, the weight of a skyscraper is often quite less than what its massive appearance may cause the analyzer to estimate. Three factors that primarily limit the height of a skyscraper are budget, elevators and the wind. As we go higher, the speed of wind increases and ultimately becomes dangerous for the safety and sustainability of the skyscraper. It has been found that with calm weather conditions in a temperate region, the speed of wind at heights of 2 km, 4 km, 6 km, 8 km, 10 km and 12 km is 22 mph, 56 mph, 90 mph, 134 mph, 179 mph and 200 mph respectively (Anissimov).

This clearly indicates that as the skyscrapers become taller, they have to withstand greater wind pressure. Skyscrapers frequently make use of glass for improving look. High wind speed may shatter the glass windows which becomes a potential threat not only for the inhabitants of the skyscraper, but also the residents of area in the surroundings of it. Paradoxically, after 12 km of height, the speed of wind starts to decrease and it starts to loose density. It starts becoming thinner. The second primary factor limiting the height of skyscrapers is the elevator.

The taller the skyscraper becomes, the larger the number of workers becomes and accordingly, the larger becomes the space required by elevators at the ground. Sky lobbies and double decked elevators are commonly made use of to combat this issue. However, for very tall skyscrapers, multi storey elevators have to be provided in order to reduce the number of elevators on the ground. Otherwise, the ground would become crowded with elevators and little space would be left for accommodating other necessities of work on the site.

Finally, cost undoubtedly plays a decisive role in determining the height of a skyscraper. The larger the skyscraper becomes, the more the expenses to be borne by the constructors get. Cost of construction greatly influences the builders’ decision on the final height of the model they propose for construction. Works cited:Anissimov, Michael. “How tall can skyscrapers be?” 2010. Web. 4 Feb. 2011. .“Skyscrapers Wallpapers and Skyscrapers Backgrounds 1 of 1.” n.d. Web. 4 Feb. 2011. .