Talk:Suspended structure

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Suspended Structure is a structure which is supported by cables coming from beams which sit atop concrete columns. In some cases the structure allows the walls, roof and cantilevered floors to be supported entirely by cables and a center column.

Another type of suspended structure utilizes outer-wall concrete columns angled away from the center with a cable system suspending a roof and outer wall structure. In this example there are no supports or visual obstructions inside the structure.

Minimal interior visual obstruction is a feature of suspended structure buildings.

Design
Suspended structures of this type utilize high-strength cable to suspend or support the floors. In some cases beams are cantilevered out from the concrete column at the center of the building. From the top of the center column, cables are used to support the roof system and the walls. Cables run down from the top of the tower to support floors. The external skeleton of the structure is a type of curtain wall which also is supported by cables. Suspended structures often allow much light to enter, because of the unobstructed interior.

An example of a catenary-shaped suspended structure is the Eero Saarinen designed Dulles International Airport. The roof of the structure is made up of suspension cable which stretches across angled concrete columns. In the design of Dulles airport, the floor, the columns and the roof all work together to allow the walls and ceiling to float. This leaves a large open space for the building. Suspended construction can in some cases be used in the design of buildings in areas vulnerable to earthquakes. The system has also been used for the inclusion of suspended tennis courts.

Examples of suspended structure buildings

 * BP Building (Antwerp) (1963)
 * Riverplace Tower (1966)