The damped outrigger concept for tall buildings

This paper describes new concepts for the structural design of high‐rise buildings, in which a system is introduced to increase the dependable structural damping by a factor of 5–10. By so doing the dynamic response of the building to wind effects (buffeting and vortex shedding) is virtually eliminated, leading to substantially reduced lateral design forces and assured occupant comfort. Substantial reductions in structural member size and construction cost savings can be realized in many cases. This may significantly improve the economic viability and sustainability of a development. The paper describes some means by which high levels of damping may be achieved and is illustrated by an implementation on a building, currently under construction, subjected to wind and seismic excitation.