framed tube
A system which resists lateral forces through a tightly interlocked perimeter frame.
Pictured: Aon Center
A framed tube structure resists lateral forces with a strong, tightly connected perimeter framework, requiring closely spaced columns at the edge of the structure. This allows for large open spaces within the building plan, even in a very tall structure.
Closely spaced perimeter columns and their tight connections make the outside framework act together against lateral forces. The structural tube is formed by that perimeter frame.
The arrangement can leave large interior spaces open without making a completely column-free interior mandatory. A loose perimeter grid without the strong connecting action does not provide the same framed-tube system.
framed tube Photos
Related definitions
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bundled tube
A system in which multiple tube structures are clustered together for greater strength. -
buttressed core
A framing system with a strong central core reinforced by shear walls or other rigid elements radiating from it. -
core plus outrigger
A framing system in which a rigid core is tied to the perimeter with sturdy horizontal beams. -
rigid frame
A framing system whose moment-resisting joints help the framework resist distortion. -
shear wall
A structural system using rigid vertical walls to resist distortion under lateral forces. -
shear wall plus frame
A system in which a strong slab wall acts in concert with strong joints to stabilize the frame. -
space truss
A three-dimensional truss with diagonal connections outside a single plane, used to resist lateral forces. -
superframe
A system in which multiple framed tubes are connected by horizontal framed trusses. -
trussed frame
A framework whose intersecting vertical and horizontal members are reinforced by one or more series of diagonal braces. -
trussed tube
A system in which the perimeter walls act as a rigid tube and are reinforced by vertical trusses. -
tube-in-tube
A system which combines an exceptionally strong perimeter frame with a similar tube at the core.