Page 107 - AGC_EN_iBook

107
tHe CONCePt
Three square and massive concrete slabs on a frame of columns, each measuring 8.1 m in two directions and with a uniform thick- ness of 30 cm, are allowed to expand or contract, without the need for expansion joints in the building to absorb this movement. There are no beams.The concrete slabs are supported on columns arranged in a regular grid pattern. Each column is hinge- xed to the oor plate. Just a small number of triangular wind bracings
in steel ensure stability in the transverse direction.The columns are supported by post foundations.
This seemingly simple concept has numerous advantages.
First and foremost, this solution guarantees a maximum degree of exibility for the building.The massive concrete slabs, reinforced both top and bottom, are poured on site. The result is a uniform surface of very strong oor plates which distribute the load evenly. This means that the plates will not be affected by additional or changing loads that may result from the different occupancies of the building or the rearrangement of the interior space that future users may choose to make.This exibility was an essential factor, both for the owner of the building (AXA Belgium) and the rst users (AGC Glass Europe).This clear concept formed the basis
for the construction of a sustainable and user-friendly building.
Economic factors also played a role in the decision-making. By avoiding the need for expansion joints in the building, it was pos- sible to save both time and money with regard to the detailing and implementation.This straightforward and sober plan, with a sim- plicity of detail, is very ef cient to build, since the implementation principles are the same at all points.
The watertight aluminium frames of the rst facade can follow the expansion or contraction of the building freely by the addition of a supple joint of 1.35 m that is inserted between each module.
The massive concrete slabs provide suf cient re-resistance between the different oors. A system with beams and hollow core structures would have required additional and costly remedies
to ensure adequate re safety (intumescent painting, ocking, or the use of re-retardant sheets).The integration of the technical infrastructure is logical and user-friendly. All the technical elements are installed on top of each oor plate in a raised oor that can easily be opened.The accessibility of the technical elements via the oor rather than the ceiling means that the entire building is user- friendly in this respect.
The underside of the concrete slabs also constitutes the nishing of the interior spaces. It is painted white, but nothing more needs to be done. Light ttings, acoustic buffers and detectors can be screwed directly into the concrete ceiling.
ThE STaBILITy OF ThE BUILDING