Nemetschek Engineering User Contest 2009 • Category 2: CAE Housing & Buildings 81 2 Office tower ‘Blaaktoren’, Rotterdam elements, including the vertical joints between them, were processed through the computational model. The interlocking façades, too, were included in the model. The different prefab façades interlock at the cantilever. First, this effect was determined through vertical springs, with the use of 2D computational models. The relative rigidity of the springs was determined by unit loads. After that, a complete 3D model was made, and closer attention was paid to the exact force-displacement between the walls. Possible flange movement in the stabilising prefab walls was taken into account during the calculations. Development and execution While determining the concept of the building’s main supporting structure, close attention was paid to the optimum engineering feasibility of the project as a whole. The concept was designed in such a way, that no temporary supporting systems are necessary during the construction works below the 21 metre-measuring cantilever. By opting for a prefab façade design, the tower construction can take place at a high pace. In situ constructed façade elements would take up much more time, partly because of the different shapes and positions of the window openings at each floor.
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