Introduction

In an era of increasing urbanization and vertical expansion, the design and construction of high-rise buildings present some of the most complex and fascinating challenges in structural engineering, where ensuring safety, stability, and efficiency under various load conditions is paramount. The unique demands of tall structures, including significant lateral forces, intricate foundation systems, and advanced material behaviors, necessitate specialized knowledge beyond conventional building design. This training course is meticulously designed to equip civil and structural engineers, architects, construction professionals, urban planners, and developers with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills in understanding the unique load types affecting high-rises, mastering advanced analysis techniques for tall buildings, applying modern structural systems for lateral stability, exploring the behavior of high-strength materials, optimizing foundation design for challenging ground conditions, and leveraging advanced software tools for complex structural modeling. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to conceptualize, analyze, and design safe, economical, and aesthetically pleasing high-rise structures that stand the test of time and extreme conditions.

Target Audience

• Civil Engineers (Specializing in Structures)
• Structural Engineers
• Architects (with a technical focus)
• Construction Managers
• Developers & Real Estate Professionals
• Building Code Officials & Regulators
• Researchers in Structural Engineering
• Graduate Students in Structural Engineering

Objectives

• Understand the unique load types and combinations relevant to high-rise building design.
• Master advanced structural analysis techniques for tall buildings (static and dynamic).
• Learn about various lateral load resisting systems for high-rise structures.
• Develop proficiency in the design of reinforced concrete and steel high-rise components.
• Explore the behavior and application of high-strength and innovative materials in tall buildings.
• Understand the principles of foundation design for high-rise structures on various soil conditions.
• Learn about performance-based seismic and wind design for tall buildings.
• Develop skills in using specialized software for high-rise structural analysis and design.
• Understand the importance of constructability and economic considerations in high-rise design.
• Explore advanced topics such as outrigger systems, tuned mass dampers, and soil-structure interaction.
• Formulate comprehensive structural design solutions for complex high-rise projects.

Course Content

Module 1. Introduction to High-Rise Buildings and Their Challenges

• Defining High-Rise Buildings: Classifications and characteristics
• Historical evolution of tall buildings
• Unique challenges in high-rise design: stiffness, strength, stability, serviceability
• Multi-disciplinary approach to high-rise projects
• Case studies of iconic high-rise structures

Module 2. Gravitational Load Analysis for High-Rise Buildings

• Dead Loads: Self-weight of structural and non-structural components
• Live Loads: Occupancy, partition, roof live loads, reduction factors
• Snow Loads: Considerations for high elevations and drift
• Rain Loads: Ponding effects on roofs
• Load combinations for gravity loads according to design codes

Module 3. Wind Load Analysis for High-Rise Buildings

• Basic Wind Speed and Exposure Categories
• Wind Pressure Calculations: Using ASCE 7 or similar codes
• Aerodynamic Effects: Vortex shedding, galloping, buffeting, torsion
• Wind Tunnel Testing: Importance for irregular geometries
• Dynamic analysis for wind loads and gust effects

Module 4. Seismic Load Analysis for High-Rise Buildings

• Seismological Concepts: Earthquakes, seismic waves, ground motion parameters
• Seismic Design Categories (SDC) and site-specific response
• Equivalent Lateral Force (ELF) method for preliminary design
• Response Spectrum Analysis (RSA) for dynamic seismic response
• Time History Analysis (THA) for performance-based design

Module 5. Structural Systems for Lateral Load Resistance

• Moment Resisting Frames (MRFs): Reinforced concrete and steel
• Shear Walls: RC shear walls, coupled shear walls
• Braced Frames: Concentric and eccentric bracing
• Dual Systems: Combinations of frames and shear walls/braced frames
• Advanced Systems: Outriggers, belt trusses, tube systems (framed, trussed, bundled)

Module 6. High-Rise Reinforced Concrete Design Principles

• Ductile Design: Capacity design principles for seismic resistance
• High-Strength Concrete: Properties, advantages, and challenges
• Design of Columns: Axial-flexural interaction, confinement reinforcement
• Design of Beams and Slabs: Two-way slab systems, transfer slabs
• Coupled Shear Wall Design and detailing

Module 7. High-Rise Steel Structural Design Principles

• Steel Grades: High-strength steel, rolled sections, built-up members
• Design of Steel Frames: Beam-column connections, panel zones
• Design of Braced Frames: Gusset plates, buckling restrained braces (BRBs)
• Composite Action: Steel-concrete composite floors and columns
• Fire protection and progressive collapse considerations

Module 8. Foundation Design for High-Rise Buildings

• Geotechnical Investigations: Boreholes, soil testing, deep foundations
• Shallow Foundations: Raft foundations, mat foundations
• Deep Foundations: Piles (friction, end-bearing), caissons, drilled shafts
• Pile Group Analysis and load distribution
• Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI) in high-rise foundations

Module 9. Advanced Analysis Techniques for Tall Buildings

• P-Delta Effects: Geometric non-linearity in slender structures
• Dynamic Analysis: Modal analysis, transient analysis
• Computational Tools: SAP2000, ETABS, SAFE, RAM Structural System
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for complex connections and components
• Sensitivity analysis and optimization in design

Module 10. Serviceability and Occupant Comfort

• Deflection and Drift Limits: Control of lateral displacements
• Vibration Control: Floor vibrations, wind-induced motion
• Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs) and other damping systems
• Human perception of motion and comfort criteria
• Non-structural component performance under lateral loads

Module 11. Performance-Based Seismic Design (PBSD) for High-Rises

• PBSD Philosophy: Designing for specific performance levels
• Performance Objectives: Immediate Occupancy, Life Safety, Collapse Prevention
• Non-linear Static Analysis: Pushover analysis for tall buildings
• Non-linear Time History Analysis for advanced assessment
• Acceptance criteria and design verification

Module 12. Construction Methods and Constructability Issues

• Construction Sequencing: Top-down, bottom-up, jump-form systems
• Formwork and Shoring for high-rise concrete structures
• Erection of Steel Structures: Connections, tolerances, safety
• Prefabrication and modular construction in high-rises
• Logistics and site management challenges for tall buildings

Module 13. Sustainability and Innovative Materials in High-Rises

• Green Building Principles: Energy efficiency, material selection
• Recycled and sustainable materials (e.g., recycled steel, low-carbon concrete)
• Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) and its applications
• Mass Timber High-Rises: Opportunities and challenges
• Smart materials and sensors for structural health monitoring

Module 14. Fire Safety and Egress Design in Tall Buildings

• Fire Resistance Ratings: Columns, beams, slabs, walls
• Fire Protection Systems: Active and passive measures
• Egress Paths: Stairs, elevators, refuge areas
• Smoke Control Systems
• Structural behavior of high-rises under fire conditions

Module 15. Special Topics and Case Studies

• Outrigger and Belt Truss Systems: Enhancing lateral stiffness
• High-Rise Diaphragm Design: Transferring lateral forces
• Structural Integrity and Progressive Collapse Analysis
• Deconstruction and lifecycle assessment of tall buildings
• Examination of complex high-rise projects and their structural solutions.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.