Why do people feel safer in skyscrapers than they might at first glance? How do engineering systems work in buildings hundreds of meters high, and what technologies are already shaping the future of high-rise construction?
A large TASS article, prepared with the participation of Dmitry Vishnyakov and Pavel Ivanov, directors of projects at the Metropolis company, is devoted to these issues. The experts spoke about modern engineering solutions that ensure the safety, reliability, and comfort of high-rise buildings.
"When constructing high-rise buildings, structures with increased fire resistance and exclusively non-combustible materials are used. In addition, the legislation strictly regulates the equipment of high-rise buildings with active fire extinguishing systems, alarms, and smoke protection," notes Dmitry Vishnyakov.
Almost spaceships
Modern high-speed elevators can reach speeds of up to dozens of kilometers per hour, while maintaining a comfortable ride thanks to pressure compensation systems, vibration isolation, intelligent control, and special engineering solutions that reduce air resistance. The record-breaking elevator is located in the Shanghai Tower in China and can reach speeds of up to 20.5 meters per second (almost 74 kilometers per hour). The fastest elevators in Russia are located in the Federation Tower (Moscow) and the Lakhta Center (Saint Petersburg), with a speed of almost 30 km/h.
Ventilation and air conditioning
According to engineering logic, high-rise buildings are divided into several independent zones with a height of 50 to 100 meters, each with technical floors. This approach ensures stable operation of ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems, regardless of the building's height. The decision to eliminate opening windows is primarily driven by safety concerns and the proper functioning of engineering systems.
"Skyscrapers mostly use mechanical supply and exhaust systems, as natural ventilation is ineffective at high altitudes due to wind loads, pressure differences, and the inability to open windows (for safety reasons)," says Dmitry Vishnyakov.
Sewerage and the load on the city
Engineering systems of skyscrapers are designed with increased redundancy. Thanks to this, water supply is highly reliable, and special sewage schemes allow you to avoid interruptions even in the event of local blockages.
"The sewage risers are laid in pairs, with the possibility of sewage flowing from one riser to another through specially designed links. This way, if one pipe gets clogged, no one in the building will experience a disruption in the system, and the maintenance team will have time to respond and fix the clog," explains Pavel Ivanov.
Energy saving and self-sufficiency
A range of energy-efficient solutions – from modern facades and intelligent engineering system control to heat recovery – significantly reduces energy consumption compared to conventional buildings.
Payback in Russian realities
Despite the high cost of energy-efficient technologies, many of them pay off by reducing operating costs. However, in Russia, the return on investment depends on the climate, tariffs, and specific features of facility operation.
"The payback period for solar panels in Central Russia is 10-14 years, excluding tariff indexation, and up to 18-25 years, taking into account the seasonality of generation, when adding batteries," Dmitry Vishnyakov explains.
Pavel Ivanov adds that the feasibility of using complex and expensive energy-efficient equipment should be carefully considered: "Designers and developers are moving from the thoughtless and widespread use of complex systems to a more deliberate and technically sound approach, using them only when it leads to increased reliability or cost-effectiveness."
Waste disposal
Modern skyscrapers are gradually abandoning traditional garbage chutes. They are being replaced by airtight container systems and centralized waste collection, which increases fire safety and improves sanitary conditions.
The underground part of the "iceberg"
The real scale of the skyscraper is hidden underground. To transfer enormous loads, pile foundations can reach depths of more than 100 meters, ensuring the stability of the building throughout its entire lifetime.
Are they swinging?
Yes, high-rise buildings can be swayed by the wind, but the amplitude of these oscillations is calculated in advance. "Skyscrapers can sway in the wind, but engineers limit the amplitude of the oscillations to ensure comfort and safety. It is believed that the maximum allowable deviation of the building's top from its axis should not exceed 1/500 of its height," notes Dmitry Vishnyakov.
Dampers, outriggers, and the aerodynamic shape of the building make these movements almost imperceptible to humans.
Earthquake protection
Even in regions with low seismic activity, designers provide special structural solutions that allow the building to safely withstand dynamic loads and maintain stability.
First of all, seismic isolating foundations are used to increase earthquake resistance. For example, lead-rubber supports that act as shock absorbers. During an earthquake, the lower part of the support moves with the soil, while the upper part remains in place.
Drone protection
Modern high-rise buildings are increasingly designed to meet new threats. Architectural solutions, special protective structures, and advanced detection systems help to enhance the safety of the building without compromising its functionality.
"Buildings will only get taller, which means that our common goal is to design and build them in a safer and more convenient way", emphasizes Pavel Ivanov.
Read the full article on the TASS website..
