Title: Ruptured Composite Tube Design a for Houston’s Texas Commerce Tower

Author(s): Scott S. Pickard

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 3

Issue: 7

Appears on pages(s): 13-19

Keywords: composite construction (concrete and steel); concrete construction; forming techniques. formwork (construction); foundations; frames; high: rise buildings; office buildings; placing; pumped con crete.

DOI:

Date: 7/1/1981

Abstract:
The 75-story Texas Commerce Tower in Houston is the tallest composite concrete-steel building in the world, employing a unique ruptured tube structural frame concept. The building has a typical four-corner shape but with one corner chopped at a 45 deg angle to create a fifth side. The construction of the foundation mat involved one of the largest concrete placements ever made for a commercial project. The top 72 floors were built in only 11 months using custom-built jump form systems and pumped cast-in. place concrete.