ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF

SUSPENDED BUILDINGS
CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE REPORT- 1
Submitted by
NIRMAL RAJ

2013102029

SULTHAN AMEER JAHAN

2013102048

CHANAKYA VUDAYAGIRI 2013102056

ASHERIN GEORGE

2013102062

in partial fulfilment for the award of the degree

of

Bachelor of Engineering
in
Civil Engineering

College of Engineering, Guindy

ANNA UNIVERSITY: CHENNAI- 600 025
JULY 2016

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
Certified that this report on SUSPENDED BUILDINGS is a
bonafide work of

NIRMAL RAJ

2013102029

SULTHAN AMEER JAHAN

2013102048

CHANAKYA VUDAYAGIRI 2013102056

ASHERIN GEORGE

2013102062

who are doing their project under my supervision.

GROUP GUIDE
DR. BEULAH GNANA ANANTHI

ANALYSIS AND
DESIGN OF
SUSPENDED
BUILDINGS

ABSTRACT
The aim of this project is to analyze and design the structural aspects of a
commercial suspended building. We try to approach this project by applying the
concepts behind suspension bridges. The principle objective is to eliminate or
reduce the use of compression members and replace them with tension
members, thereby making the building a Structural Marvel to viewers. Also,
the carpet area can be increased significantly by eliminating the space occupied
by columns.

Table of contents
S. NO

TITLE

PAGE
NO

Abstract

List of Figures

iii

1. Phase I

1.1 Overview

1.2 What is innovative in the Project

1.3 Need for the Project

1.4 Problems faced in Most

Buildings

1.5 Uses of the Project

1.6 Top to Bottom Approach

1.7 Project Description

1.8 Conclusion

List of Figures
S. NO

TITLE

PAGE
NO

3D VIEW OF PROPOSED SUSPENDED

BUILDING

ROOF FLOOR PLAN

2ND FLOOR PLAN

1ST FLOOR PLAN

5
6

SIDE VIEW of Proposed Suspended

Building
FRONT VIEW of Proposed Suspended
Building

6
6

CHAPTER 1
PHASE 1
1.1 OVERVIEW:
This chapter contains information regarding the work that was done during the
first phase of the creative and innovative project on Suspended Buildings. A
commercial building having 2 storeys was planned and the suitable approach to
design such a building to be suspended was decided. The innovation, need and
the derivable uses are also discussed below.

1.2 WHAT IS INNOVATIVE IN THE PROJECT:

An alternative to the conventional method of design is suggested.
New method of design and construction Top to Bottom approach.
The use of columns can be greatly reduced if not completely eliminated.
When coupled with modern technology, the building can be designed as a
dynamic structure.
New, and different shapes and structures can be designed and constructed
with ease.
Reduction in foundation area.

1.3 NEED FOR THE PROJECT:

To suggest an alternative approach to the construction of buildings in sites

where the conventional methods are not suitable.

1.4 PROBLEMS FACED IN MOST BUILDINGS:

To build a structure with more carpet area and uninterrupted spans, the
use of columns has to be eliminated. This calls for an innovative and
specialised approach of design and hence the concept of suspended
buildings can serve this purpose.
The conventional building using concrete has a significant impact on the
environment. The use of suspended buildings, constructed primarily using
Steel, which is a re-usable and environment friendly construction material
can address this issue.
This method can be used in regions of highly varying soil conditions,
minimising differential settlements. It also permits construction in hilly
regions.

1.5 USES OF THE PROJECT:

Can be used to design and build longer spans without the interruption of
columns, thereby increasing carpet area tremendously. This can find

extensive application in the design of concert halls, churches, marriage

halls, etc.
The aesthetic appearance of the building is sure to captivate its viewers.
Thus this type of building can be used for showrooms, restaurants, spa,
etc.
The structure is light-weight.
Environmentally safe and economically feasible.
The foundation occupies very area, so the improvement and management
of soil is done for less area.
Economic use of the Construction materials, thus reducing the self-weight
and cost of the structure.

1.6 TOP TO BOTTOM APPROACH:

The design sequence begins with the design of foundation and the
primary columns.
The roof beam and slab which are to be connected to the primary
columns, are designed suitable to the load requirements.
Now, the top most floor slab is designed to be suspended from the roof
beam using high tensile suspension cables or other tensile members
depending upon the load requirement.
The consecutive lower floors are suspended from their preceding floors
using the same principle.
This gives the structure an appearance of hanging from a tree.

1.7 PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Number of floors: 2
Site area:

400 sq. metre (approx.)

Roof area:

225 sq. metre (approx.)

2nd Floor area:

81 sq. metre (approx.)

1st Floor area:

64 sq. metre (approx.)

No. of primary columns = 4

*Area is subject to changes

3D VIEW OF PROPOSED SUSPENDED BUILDING

Roof Floor Plan

2ND FLOOR PLAN

1ST FLOOR PLAN

1.8 CONCLUSION:

SIDE VIEW of Proposed Suspended

Building

FRONT VIEW OF PROPOSED SUSPENDED BUILDING

In the first phase, the plan and dimensions of the Proposed Suspended Building
was tentatively fixed. In the successive phases, the work to be accomplished
would include the design of the primary columns, the various roof and floor
beams, the slabs and the suspension cables (or alternative solutions) and the
Software analysis of the above against safety and stability.