OVERLOAD, Two final questions for ya!
Is there a preferred computer app that can design a high rise apartment tower and then calculate the individual cost of everything item by item required within the construction of that tower .... to include doorknobs, windows, tubs, sinks, toilet, etc., etc.?
What are the estimated life-spans of high rise structures? Are the built to last forever?
Thanks, Over.
PS.... Thanks, Gregz! According to one San Franciscan .... They are presently working to correct the Millennium Tower situation
Most companies use Revit, for design purposes. Structural engineers all have their own preference on design software. Revit just ties it all together with the Architectural aspects, mechanical, electrical and plumbing, to ensure it all fits together and is used for cost estimating and construction feasibility. Every fixture is taken in account, it's used all over the world.
Most engineers i know use ETABS, SkyCiv or STAAD for the actual modeling and design. I always used STAAD because it's a required method for most bridge designs for government owned highways. I specialize in bridge and foundation design, have a good steel structure design background too, but i haven't done it in 15 years.
Nothing can last forever. The standard life span for a tall structure is 50 years. You can increase this with maintenance and structural reinforcements, but generally that is the case.
Nothing built by man will last too long, we use minimal materials and methods of construction. Basically, everything is "just good enough" and not necessary "robust". If we had an unlimited budget, of course we could make things last a few hundred years. All of our known design methods would have to change, but it is possible.
All buildings require scheduled maintenance and possible need of reinforcements along their lifespan, this is normal.
Again, everything is dynamic, it depends on the weather, soil type, construction type and height. Not all structures are built the same.
A small 3 story building with a solid foundation can easily last 200 years or more. As you get taller, things change, but it depends on how it's built and what it's built out of.
Reinforced concrete cracks and fails over time, but it's relatively cheap compared to steel frame. Steel will last much longer under all circumstances, but the increase in cost is insane. Most buildings are not cost effective when using steel, but the taller buildings do require it.