Landmark 81, positioned north of District 1, is the centerpiece of the Vinhomes Central Park development. Already the tallest structure in Vietnam, the 81-story tower can be the second tallest in Southeast Asia and certainly one of the 20 tallest buildings on this planet when accomplished.
Designed for mixed use, the lower 42 floors will house apartments and the upper floors will house a five-star hotel. An remark deck will top the super-tall structure, and a retail podium has been built into the bottom floor, which also includes three basement levels. The planned completion date of the tower is summer 2018.
Bamboo-based
Conceptually based on bamboo stalks – whose strength is achieved by connecting smaller parts – the tower consists of a series of square tubes ending at different heights, creating a particular tapered profile.
The structural system relies on a central core, partly supported by columns placed in the middle of every square tube and connected to the core by beams; this improves stability against lateral forces comparable to wind and earthquakes. All major structural elements are solid in situ in concrete, and the tower is topped by a steel frame, partially covered with “signature elements”.
Built to last
A very difficult aspect of a structural project is the foundations – Ho Chi Minh City is legendary for its extremely poor ground conditions. To combat this, rectangular concrete piles called barrettes are placed at almost the utmost density allowed and reach depths of over 90 meters.
The design was influenced by data collected from ground seismic surveys and wind tunnel tests, which were relatively unusual for projects in Vietnam. Another unusual design feature is the usage of an elevator for evacuation within the event of a fireplace. This was proposed and justified by Arup’s fire engineering team based on compliance with NFPA requirements.
Throughout the design process, Arup worked closely with the client, other members of the design team and the contractor to make sure the tower might be delivered by the local construction industry. This is reflected within the selection of the principal structural system (concrete as a substitute of steel), appropriate material strength and the elimination of complex details (e.g. no transfers are utilized in the essential structure).
The team behind the tower
The tower was developed by Vingroup, certainly one of the most important developers in Vietnam, and designed by a world team of consultants. Atkins was the project architect, Arup served because the structural, geotechnical and fire engineer, and Aurecon was the constructing services engineer. Arup’s work spanned concept through to construction and was carried out in collaboration between its Hong Kong and Vietnam offices.
Source : english.vietnamnet.vn | rics.org
