Bangkok--6 Dec--Asian Institute of Technology
When buildings become taller, the challenges for engineers and architects skyrocket. Higher buildings bring more challenges for all experts involved in this profession. These were the issues deliberated at the tall building seminar organized by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) from 7-9 November 2016.
"We need structural solutions to architectural challenges," Executive Director of AIT Solutions, Dr. Naveed Anwar said while welcoming participants. The vision of the future is already there, and the trend towards creating tall structures continues, he remarked. Dr. Naveed highlighted the salient features of 200-meter tall buildings in Bangkok, as he identified two majors shifts - the shift from steel structures to concrete and composite structures, as well as the trend towards mixed use of tall buildings by incorporating offices, residences, utilities and services in one building complex.
Speaking at the inaugural session, AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai enumerated various new initiatives including the plan to introduce a Professional Master's program in Tall Buildings. Describing AIT as a model of real-world collaborations, he mentioned that the mission of AIT is to produce global citizens, serve as global collaborative platforms for providing solutions to mankind, and to partner with industry to create innovation. Prof. Worsak spoke about the Five "I's" for creating global citizens, including international perspective, interdisciplinary competence, ICT competence, industrial relevance and innovative mindset.
Joel Luna, Vice President, Innovation and Design Group of Ayala Land, Inc., the largest property development firm in the Philippines, stated that by 2050, two-thirds of humanity will be residing in cities. He mentioned that every hour, 29 persons move to Manilla, contributing towards the trend towards urbanization, dense cities and tall buildings. Key challenges of urbanization include balancing density of population with infrastructure, mobility, inclusiveness, technology, community, environment and livability. He added that while urbanization fuels economic growth, it also widens the gap between the rich and the poor.
Jose A. Sy, President and CEO of Sy^2 + Associates Inc. spoke about natural challenges faced in urban conglomerations. "The Philippines has the same earthquake risk as California, Japan, New Zealand and Haiti," he said, while adding that practices of earthquake engineering are not at the same level in all places. The Philippines is located along the Ring of Fire and faces 24 typhoons every year, he added.
Developments that were discussed during the three-day seminar included Progression of Structural Design Approaches, Structural Engineering Solutions to Architectural Challenges, Smart Systems for Structural Response Control, Performance-Based Design, Value Engineering, Peer Review, Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment, Wind Tunnel Test, State of Practice in Design of Tall Buildings in Philippines, and Architectural Innovations and Challenges in Tall Buildings. The seminar was followed by a workshop for structural engineers and a field visit.
The event was organized by AIT Solutions, in collaboration with Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI) USA, and it was supported by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). Technology exhibitors included Thyssenkrupp.
Keynote speakers included Prabhakorn Vadanyakul, President and Managing Director, Architects 49 Limited Thailand; Maythin Chantra-ou-rai, Executive Director, Architects 49 Limited Thailand; Joel Luna, Vice President, Chief Architect, Innovation and Design Group, Ayala Land, Philippines; Jose A. Sy, President and CEO, Sy^2 + Associates Inc., Philippines; Winyou Wanichsiriroj, Executive Vice President, Design 103 International Ltd. Guest speakers including Dr. Karoon Chandrangsu, President, K.C.S & Associates Co.,Ltd.; Dr. Teraphan Ornthammarath, Lecturer, Mahidol University; Apichai Siridumrongphun, Project Development Director, Siam Sindhorn; Rex Sirilan Head of R&D Department, Sy^2+ Associates Inc. and Earl P. Bonita Head of PBD Department, Sy^2+ Associates Inc.
Speakers from AIT include Prof. Pennung Warnitchai of Structural Engineering; Dr. Naveed Anwar, Executive Director, AIT Solutions (AITS); Thaung Htut Aung, Deputy Projects Director (AITS), Keerati Tunthasawatana, Deputy Director, ACECOMS, Dr. Pramin Norachan, Senior Manager, Structural Engineering, AIT Solutions; Shabir Ali Talpur, Senior Engineer, AITS; S.M.Zia Uddin, Structural Engineer, AITS; and Fawad Najam, Ph.D. Candidate.