VSH Turòa nad Bodvou - Nemetschek Scia

Administration building realized by IPES n.v.
Client: Liberty Invest n.v.
Architects: Ivan Van Mossevelde; D & C Van Impe
Technical data
Dimensions: ± 108m x 55m
Surface: 15,000 m²
Storeys: 6 + 2 (underground parking)
Roofing system: built-up roof
Wall system: steel / glass façade
Project description
This impressive 6-storey steel building, achieved in August 2005, is
situated on the city limits of Ghent, one of Europe’s most famous
port cities.
IPES’ new headquarters were conceived to reflect an image of a
contemporary port, symbolising the history and trades that made
Ghent famous.
Flexible solutions, solid structural design combined with esthetics,
competitive pricing: ASTRON has adapted its systems well to the
new market requirements and has in the past collected the necessary
know-how to successfully manage all large scale projects.
For the Floralis project, the main advantages were the price and
the reliable short delivery terms, as well as the simple erection
with steel beams incorporated in the intermediate floors. This
latter feature provided excellent free heights between the floors as
well as reducing the structural area that had to be painted for fire
protection. Installation of services proved to be much easier as with
traditional solutions.
Floors are set back from one another which, combined with the
intensive use of glass and aluminum, plus the rotunda with its
granite cladding, serve to give the Floralis building a modern and
contemporary look.
Completed only 15 months after work started, it will accommodate
such renowned companies as Esko graphics, BMT and the administration
centre of the Ghent-based Floralies.
Two levels of underground parking were incorporated into the
design.
Description how software was used
Input
After job clarification, our customer needs very quickly (a matter of
days) the anchor bolt reactions and lay-out. Therefore we need a
tool with a quick and easy input.
Among other advantages, the input of the structure and the loads
is quite easy and time saving due to the fact that even wind loads
don’t need to be calculated separately for each column and beam,
but can be generated automatically.
Once the model is defined and completely introduced, the input
data can be very easily checked and a quick structural analysis
according first order theory is executed. Due to the multitude of
countries to which we are selling buildings, it is very important not
only to have one standard (Eurocode) but a multitude of codes. For
countries not included in ESA-Prima Win standards, the adaptation
of safety factors and load combination factors makes it possible to
work with only one single design tool.
The model
The entire steel structure is modelled as a 3D model in ESA-
Prima Win. The static design and the verification of the standard
hot rolled sections for columns, roof beams and floor beams are
detailed and processed in the model. The concrete staircases and
the concrete walls of the ground-floor are simulated as supports,
generating foundation reactions.
3Dimensional rendering
This tool is used to get a realistic representation of the structure
allowing new customers of a quicker comprehension of the structure
and helps him to see his project during the different phases
and under different angles.
Diaphragm simulation of the floors
The floor of our standard building consists of concrete hollow core
elements which are simulated by diagonals in the floor beam area.
This allows a precise generation and definition of the loads in the
concrete staircases, steel stabilization crosses and steel frames.
Verification according 2nd order
After the model and the loads have been completely introduced,
we check the second order behaviour of the structure. This allows
also a precise analysis of the horizontal and vertical deformations.
Dynamic seismic analysis
For projects located in areas with seismic solicitation, the model is
submitted to nodal analysis by ESA-Prima Win.
Steel code check
The main part of the different steel elements was checked and optimized
with ESA-Prima Win. This allows to order material in a very
early stage of the project and to reduce delivery time. In addition, a
precise weight, cost and project follow up is given.
Only the floor integrated beams (INODEK) consisting of a hot
rolled T-cut section with a welded wider lower flange are designed
separately.
Administration building Floralis
121