Concrete was Key in Engineering of 432 Park Avenue
Lost in the press of New York’s 432 Park Avenue building is the fact that it brings together decorative and architectural concrete and state-of-the-art engineering.
Topped out in 2014, the 1,396 foot tall structure is currently the tallest all-residential building in the Western Hemisphere. For all its height, it has a tiny foot footprint of 93-by-93 feet, carving a unique profile in the Big Apple’s skyline and allowing it to be seen from miles around.
Developed by Macklowe Properties and the CIM Group, the building’s fair complexion stems from its white concrete facade. White portland cement and concrete give the building a bright sheen and strength. About 70,000 cubic tons of concrete and 10,000 tons of steel reinforcement went into the building. Architectural concrete was poured at each level for floors, walls and exteriors. Varying strengths of rebar contribute to the building’s strength and maximize efficiency.
Concrete buildings generally help resident’s comfort by decreasing sway in the wind. Engineers designed 432 Park Avenue with particular attention to wind shear. Two windowless open floors every 20 stories house mechanical equipment and allow wind to pass through the building. A “wind damper” at the top floor of the building also helps stabilize the building and reduce sway.
Residents will experience other benefits from the concrete structure including greater sound reduction than found in steel structures, higher ceiling heights, and lower energy costs due to concrete’s thermal mass.
The super tall building’s design is sleek and attractive, the construction and engineering are state-of –the-art. It presents a new level of luxury and engineering for others to emulate.
See more at “A Whitepaper from the Portland Cement Association.”
Source: Portland Cement Association
