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The Gherkin: 180 m Aerodynamic Diagrid Tower (30 St Mary Axe)
Curving body of revolution, double-helix tubular steel diagrid, central cylindrical core, and spherical glass apex dome.
Verify that the curving aerodynamic diagrid efficiently carries gravity and wind loads purely through axial tension and compression in the diagonal members, eliminating bending moments in the facade and reducing lateral drift.
1. Geometry & FEA Mesh
- •Aerodynamic body of revolution: base diameter 49 m, widening to maximum 56.5 m at z = 60 m, tapering to 26 m at z = 160 m
- •External double-helix tubular steel diagrid forming triangular modules across 41 storeys without vertical perimeter columns
- •Circumferential ring beams at each floor tier tying the diagrid nodes
- •Central circular core tube (Ø 18 m) carrying vertical elevator banks and service risers
- •Radial steel floor beams connecting the perimeter diagrid to the central core at every floor
- •Iconic curved glass dome cap terminating the apex at z = 180 m
2. Loads & Boundary Conditions
- •Fixed 6-DOF support conditions at all perimeter diagrid base nodes and core columns at ground z = 0
- •Self-weight gravity with dead load of concrete floor decks and double-glazed facade
- •City of London aerodynamic wind profile with reduced drag coefficient due to circular cross-section
3. Simulation Results & Findings
- ✓Diagrid members operate almost purely in tension and compression with negligible parasitic bending
- ✓Lateral drift under gale wind is reduced by ~40% compared to equivalent conventional moment frames
- ✓High critical buckling multiplier λ₁ validates structural reserve of the tubular diagrid nodes
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