Buildings with sloping columns, often called torsion buildings, are the result of an architecture whose purpose is to create emblematic objects. Thanks to their design and seemingly impossible leaning columns, they become visually striking structures, with a character and uniqueness that make them stand out in the urban environment.
The architecture of these torsional buildings must guarantee stability, strength and, above all, their ability to resist torsion induced by the design itself. It must also be able to cope with external factors such as possible earthquakes, wind or vertical loads associated with its use. In fact, several studies show that inclined columns experience more significant moments, compared to vertical columns, due to their eccentricity.
Examples of famous buildings whose architecture relies on leaning columns include the Shanghai Tower in China or the KIO Towers, also known as Puerta de Europa, in Madrid, Spain. These buildings demonstrate the ability of structural engineering to carry out challenging and creative designs, without compromising on the safety and strength of their structures.
By Jean Carlos Soto, Senior Structural Engineer in Amusement Logic’s Architecture Dept.
