In many tall buildings, parts of primary structural elements and/or the curtain-walls are above the occupied space and the roof. See this image as a clear example : https://architizer-prod.imgix.net/media/14926384702374dac44e0-7868-4e59-a14f-714fb54ef219.jpg?fit=crop&w=625&q=60&auto=format,compress&cs=strip
They don't separate interior and exterior spaces; in fact, they are only in the exterior space.
How are they called? Is there a specific term to address them?
And what's the purpose of designing and constructing them?
Are they useful to reduce wind-induced noise at the top floors?
Are they useful to reduce wind speed on the roof?
Or are they just for aesthetical purposes?
Thank you
https://www.academia.edu/30463094/Dissertation_on_Skyscrapers_-_The_Highrise_Structures_at_Mumbai
@Muhammad would you specify what page of this thesis addresses my question?
There is on structural reason for the extension of the vertical curtain-walls above the roof level. This extension has architectural purpose and shows the building taller. At that level dispersing the wind is not important like that do the spiral or vertical plates around a chimney or a tall building for preventing vortex shedding effect, lateral displacement and uplift force.
Dear Prof. Kabir Sadeghi ,
Many thanks for your informative reply. Given your thorough expertise in civil and structural /building engineering, I would be grateful to you if you could please explain a bit further. Don't these elements affect the wind speed or its aeroacoustic/aerodynamic behavior on the level of roof or highest occupied floors of tall buildings at all?
Best,
Aryan
Dear Dr. Shahabian
You are most welcome. I am glad that my answers are helpful for you and you are interested in them. Actually these elements that I saw in the picture are not supported very well and not only they can not disperse efficiently the wind force but also they collect more loads applied to the building which is not helpful structurally.
Dear Prof. Kabir Sadeghi ,
Again, thank you so much for your detailed reply.
Best,
Aryan
Dear Dr. Shahabian
You are most welcome. My pleasure.
Best wishes and best of the luck.
Generally , the curtain wall extends above the roof to conceal the mechanical components and maintain the visual flow of the tower. If you look carefully in the picture, the Curtain Screen becomes less dense and its cross-lace-like appearance perhaps allow viewing from the roof.
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