This question is running down the minds of many engineers and architects that how tall can the skyscrapers be? Many speculations have been made on this but there is no specific answer to this query. Tallest skyscraper in the world is of 528 storeys which was built in Chicago. There are many factors on which the height of the skyscrapers depends. Many people feel that structural materials are the prime factor for deciding their heights but it is not so. You may find it surprising but the skyscraper is light for its size. Strong steel can support structures of 10 km while advanced composites can be used for supporting structures of 100 km. However, three most important factors due to which the height of skyscrapers might get affected are wind, budget and elevators.
It is important to understand that the wind calms down above the altitude of around 12 km. air also gets thinner at higher altitudes. At higher altitudes, air is around 4 times thinner as compared to the density at sea level. If skyscrapers are to be built above 195 m in height, then specially designed features will be required. Huge counterweights made up of metal will be required to redistribute the weight to the center of building. Improvised concrete which has a good load bearing capacity must be used for building skyscrapers.
Elevator is also a major factor which needs consideration while talking about height of the skyscrapers. If the building is very tall, more people will stay there and elevators will also be used frequently. More space will also be required for these elevators. In order to overcome this problem, double decked elevators must be used and use of sky lobbies should be made as intermediary points for the travelers. If the buildings are very tall extending to 6,500 feet multi-leveled elevators might be employed.
