To reach optimized structural design of tall buildings, it is ideal to have structural engineering consultants involved from conceptualizing and architectural design, for input based on naval configurations. Structural optimization includes immaculate planning that reduces wind effects, use of PT for slabs and other elements to minimize reinforcement usage, risk assessment for key elements (if any), use of high-performance concrete as allowed in modern Eurocodes, etc. Further, it is important to undertake the optimization of foundations. This could be done by using high performance concrete coupled with very high levels of skin friction when anchored in bedrock as often found in Sri Lanka, and the use of single large diameter piles, etc. It is also essential to use alternative and waste-based building materials to improve the sustainability of the building and achieve a drastic 40-50% reduction in the overall average construction budget today. All these different aspects will be discussed in detail with examples from recently constructed tall buildings like Altair and future super tall buildings of 150 - 250 storeys without any setbacks where the floor-to-floor height can vary between 3.2m to 4.0m.
