Abstract:
High strength concrete can be used in high-rise buildings to minimise the size of
columns, especially in the lower floors. High strength concrete has the added
advantage of a higher elastic modulus that can reduce the deflection. It also has a
lower specific creep that makes it possible to use higher stresses associated with high
strength concrete. It is shown by a case study that the use of high strength concrete can
reduce the cost of construction in Sri Lanka with the currently prevailing prices of
concrete and steel. There is also the added advantage to the owners of the building in
getting a higher rentable area resulting from reduced member sizes. The use of slender
members can make the structure more flexible. However, it is shown that the use of
high strength concrete in columns will not adversely increase the wind induced
accelerations of the building since the reduction in column size is compensated by the
higher modulus of elasticity.
