Far East BUILDER, February 1969
000555
" -----
First
prestressed offices in
Hong Kong
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL
ASSURANCE CO. LTD.
PALMER & TURNER
owners
---------
"
architects and
structural engineers
THOMAS ANDERSON & PARTNERS
mechanical and
electrical consultants
PAUL Y. CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.
main contractor
AN analysis of the HK$20 million spent by the American International Assurance Co. on constructing and equipping their new 28-storey head- quarters building in Hong Kong shows that its cost was approximately the same as for a traditional reinforced concrete structure with columns at 20 to 25 ft. spacing. The construction speed achieved - ten days per floor - is also comparable with most conven- tional methods.
The building, however, is far from conventional, which is the reason for these comparisons. It is the first column-free, prestressed concrete mul- ti-storey structure in Hong Kong.
Basically the design consists of a concrete core, resisting all horizontal forces, and prestressed diagrid floor slabs spanning between the core and the perimeter mullions. The load of the mullions is transferred at first-floor level through reinforced concrete beams on to the column grid of a reinforced concrete podium structure.
The AIA Building, an easily recog- nised form standing above the Happy Valley area of Hong Kong island, is probably the first prestige commercial block to be located outside the central district. The site of 42,467 sq. ft., two
.
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