Research on Structural Scheme Selection for Alibaba Shanghai Headquarters

This paper conducts an in-depth study on the structural system selection for an irregular super high-rise building located in the Xuhui Waterfront Business District， Shanghai. The office tower features an irregular configuration characterized by a “bottom-tapered， top-enlarged” form， incorporating numerous discontinuous vertical members， bi-directional long-span structures， and multi-region cantilevers， presenting significant structural challenges. Leveraging the architectural plan characteristics， this study innovatively proposes a multi-stage load-transfer mechanism in plan layout. This system centers around a steel-braced core tube as the primary load-bearing element and integrates a “hybrid truss” system. It effectively utilizes the vierendeel truss action inherent in the steel frame to establish the primary structural skeleton. The conflict between MEP （Mechanical， Electrical， and Plumbing） service penetration and floor-to-ceiling height control is resolved through the implementation of “large-opening steel beams”. Furthermore， the application of Tuned Mass Damper （TMD） vibration control technology results in a 76% reduction in the peak vertical vibration acceleration within critical areas.