DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION METHOD OF MULTISTORY CONCRETE BUILDINGS

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The recommendations which should be taken into account in designing the multistoried reinforced concrete buildings so as to achieve their adequate safe behavior under future earthquakes. The Indian Standard Code IS:1893 was suitably updated in 2002 so as to address the various design issues brought out in the earthquake behavior of the RC Buildings. The paper highlights the main provisions of this code.

The design and construction of multistory concrete buildings require a combination of engineering expertise, modern technologies, and strict adherence to building codes. By implementing efficient construction methods, advanced materials, and digital modeling (BIM), engineers can enhance safety, reduce costs, and improve project timelines.

Multistory concrete buildings are widely used in urban development due to their strength, durability, and flexibility in design. The design and construction of such structures involve careful planning, adherence to engineering principles, and compliance with building codes to ensure safety, stability, and functionality.


1. Design Considerations for Multistory Concrete Buildings

The design of multistory buildings follows a systematic approach, considering structural stability, load-bearing capacity, and functional requirements.

a. Structural System Selection

Depending on the height and usage, the structural system can include:

  • Rigid Frame System โ€“ Beams and columns resist lateral and vertical loads.
  • Shear Wall System โ€“ Concrete walls resist lateral forces (earthquake and wind loads).
  • Core and Outrigger System โ€“ A reinforced concrete core with outrigger beams enhances stiffness.
  • Flat Slab System โ€“ Eliminates beams, providing flexibility in interior space.

b. Load Considerations

A multistory building must be designed to resist various loads:

  • Dead Load (DL) โ€“ Self-weight of the structure.
  • Live Load (LL) โ€“ Occupants, furniture, and movable equipment.
  • Wind Load (WL) โ€“ Varies based on building height and location (IS 875 Part 3 / ASCE 7-16).
  • Seismic Load (EL) โ€“ Depends on the seismic zone and building height (IS 1893 / NBCC 2020).
  • Foundation Load โ€“ Soil-bearing capacity influences foundation selection.

c. Material Selection

  • Reinforced Concrete (RCC) โ€“ Standard material for structural elements.
  • High-Strength Concrete (HSC) โ€“ Improves load-bearing capacity (M40 or higher).
  • Reinforcement Steel (Fe500/Fe550/Fe600) โ€“ Provides tensile strength.

d. Building Code Compliance

Design follows various national and international codes:

  • IS 456:2000 โ€“ RCC structural design.
  • IS 1893:2016 โ€“ Earthquake-resistant design.
  • IS 13920:2016 โ€“ Ductile detailing for seismic zones.
  • ACI 318 / Eurocode 2 / NBCC โ€“ International standards for concrete structures.

2. Construction Methods for Multistory Concrete Buildings

The construction process of a multistory concrete building includes sequential phases, ensuring efficiency, safety, and structural integrity.

a. Site Preparation & Foundation

  • Soil Investigation โ€“ Conduct geotechnical studies to determine soil-bearing capacity.
  • Excavation & Earthworks โ€“ Digging for foundation and basement levels.
  • Foundation Type Selection โ€“
    • Shallow Foundations (Raft, Mat) for strong soils.
    • Deep Foundations (Pile, Caisson) for weak soils.
  • Waterproofing โ€“ Prevents seepage in basements.

b. Structural Framework Construction

  1. Formwork & Shuttering
    • Traditional timber formwork or steel formwork for casting concrete.
    • Aluminum and plastic formwork for speed and reusability.
    • Slip-form and jump-form technology for high-rise towers.
  2. Reinforcement & Concrete Pouring
    • Placement of reinforcement bars (IS 1786 / ACI 318 standards).
    • Concrete pouring using pumping or tremie methods.
    • Curing of concrete for 7 to 28 days for strength gain.
  3. Floor Slab Construction
    • Flat Slab System โ€“ Eliminates beams for open-plan flexibility.
    • Post-Tensioned Slabs โ€“ Reduces slab thickness, improving load distribution.
    • Hollow-Core Slabs โ€“ Lightweight and energy-efficient.
  4. Core Wall & Shear Wall Construction
    • Cast using slip-form technology for speed.
    • Provides seismic resistance and stiffness.
  5. Beam & Column Construction
    • Prefabricated or in-situ casting.
    • Lateral ties and stirrups for ductility.

c. Floor-by-Floor Construction

  • Vertical Load Transfer โ€“ Columns, walls, and cores carry the building weight.
  • Temporary Bracing โ€“ Ensures stability during construction.
  • Structural Monitoring โ€“ Sensors check deflections and settlements.

d. Faรงade and Finishing Work

  1. Cladding & Curtain Walls
    • Glass, aluminum, or precast concrete panels.
  2. Electrical & Plumbing Work
    • Installed in coordination with structural elements.
  3. Fire Safety & HVAC
    • Fire-resistant materials, smoke extraction systems, and sprinkler networks.

3. Modern Construction Technologies for Multistory Buildings

To improve efficiency, speed, and quality, modern technologies are used:

a. Precast Concrete Construction

  • Prefabricated slabs, beams, and columns reduce on-site labor.
  • Factory-controlled conditions ensure high quality.

b. Post-Tensioned Concrete

  • Used for long-span slabs and bridges to reduce cracking.
  • Increases structural capacity while reducing material usage.

c. 3D Printed Concrete

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