Title: Bacardi Building- An Unusual Structure for an Unusual Building

Author(s): Edwin C. Bliss and Angel Herrera

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 62

Issue: 12

Appears on pages(s): 1521-1532

Keywords: construction, design, multistory building, post-tensioning, prestressed concrete, reinforced concrete.

DOI: 10.14359/7759

Date: 12/1/1965

Abstract:
Describes the structure and some of the design considerations and construction aspects involved in its erection. The building surmounts an underground parking garage, the roof of which serves as a plaza and the floor to a glass-enclosed display area. The six upper floors are suspended from four stilt-like columns by post-tensioned trusses on top. The 14 x 30-in. columns were cast of high strength concrete and reinforced with A-432 steel bars. A service tower, which stands free of the structure, connects all floors to the parking garage. The two supporting trusses are formed by the roof slab and adjoining spandrel beams as the bottom chord with a 21 x 36 in. post-tensioned top chord connected with 12 x 20 in. diagonal compression members. The main vertical truss member, which is in tension, is formed by two 6 x l-3/4 in. steel plates.