Realising the tallest building in Chongqing through innovative technical solutions

Innovative structural solutions

As the structural and MEP engineers across all project phases, we provided innovative solutions to balance architectural aesthetics with constructability.

We spearheaded the integration of digital technology with architects, optimising the forms and arrangements of the super-tall exterior columns to complement the building’s curved façade. This minimised impacts on office and hotel spaces while ensuring the ease of construction.

The tower’s light and elegant form posed complexities and challenges to structural design and construction. Following meticulous analysis and coordination with stakeholders, our structural team adopted various strategies, including spilt columns, uniquely shaped columns with circular bases and square tops, belt trusses with column transfers and a steel system for high zones, to deliver a holistic approach that meets the specific requirements of different disciplines.

In collaboration with Chongqing University, we also developed a new type of concrete-filled steel tubular column-beam joint called the ‘T-shape Stiffening Rib’, and incorporated it into the large concrete-filled tube (CFT) columns for improved construction convenience and strength reinforcement. This innovative approach was awarded a national patent.

Driving energy and resource efficiency

In line with the client’s sustainability goals and prioritising occupant comfort, our MEP team implemented intelligent, low-carbon solutions.

During the transitional seasons, the commercial public areas will adopt a new air-conditioning system that utilises environmental cooling to regulate the building’s interior temperature, thereby promoting energy conservation and emissions reduction.

In addition, we leverage recycling technology to gather condensate water from the tower, using it to replenish the cooling towers in the podium commercial area. We also repurpose reclaimed water, including project wastewater and rainwater, to enhance water resource efficiency.

The project has achieved both LEED Gold pre-certification and China Green Building Design Label 3-Star certification, recognising its energy efficiency and high-quality indoor environment.

Enhancing seismic performance

The project is situated in a seismic zone with a design seismic intensity of 6 degrees. In accordance with expert opinions derived from the site seismic safety assessment and seismic over-limit review, the tower has been engineered for a seismic intensity of 7 degrees, incorporating seismic measures to ensure the structural resilience and safety performance.

Additionally, the high-rise segment of the project features a steel frame support system, effectively mitigating the upper structural mass impact on the transfer system. Seismic vibration table tests conducted on a 1/40 scale model have definitively shown that the structural design of the super-high-rise tower meets the requirements of relevant codes and standards, as well as the review opinions, surpassing the pre-set seismic design performance objectives.