Revisit of Seismic Performance of the CN-Tower based on the New Building Code of Canada (NBCC 2005)

Toronto’s CN Tower is the world tallest freestanding tower structure. Built between 1973 and 1975, this giant communication and observation tower represents the extensive design process that lasted six years. The structural design of the Tower was one of the major challenges of design process.

The structure has been designed based on the latest engineering knowledge at the time of construction. Since then significant changes and improvement has been applied to building codes and standards. The National Building Code of Canada has gone through major changes specifically in seismic provisions. On the other hand in-situ measurements and test during the last three decades gives the opportunity to have a better estimate of many static and dynamic properties of the tower.

Furthermore development of structural analysis software has given an opportunity to better understand the behavior of the structures. In this project the intern will revisit the seismic performance of CN-Tower based on new codes and standards by running an in-depth nonlinear dynamic analysis with today’s powerful software under the supervision of academic and industry supervisor.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. R. Kianoush

Student:

Amir Houshang Poshnejad

Partner:

NCK Engineering Ltd.

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

Ryerson University