Observation and Interpretation of Closely Spaced Fundamental Modes of a High-Rise Building

Abstract

In this paper the dynamic behaviour of a high-rise building with complex structural system is studied. In some cases, to optimize the building design, the horizontal stability of the building is accomplished by the contribution of several structural components. This is the case of the JuBi tower, the building studied in this paper. The horizontal stability of the building is accomplished by three cores and outer walls. The cores and the walls are connected through the floors and the foundation. The data recorded during the experimental campaign carried out in this building show a double-peak behaviour corresponding to two closely spaced modes in the translational directions. This is caused by the weak coupling between the structural components. To study this phenomena, in this paper, a yet unique double-beam model is used. The parameters of the model are tuned so as to resemble the experimental response of the building. Results of the model evidence that the weak coupling is caused by the beams and the foundation. Also, it is shown that the two closely spaced modes correspond both to bending shape modes.