Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam

What is the role of the central core in a skyscraper?

1. It provides aesthetic design

2. It contains the building's foundation

3. It houses mechanical systems and elevator shafts

4. It supports interior wall structures

The correct answer is: It houses mechanical systems and elevator shafts

The central core of a skyscraper plays a crucial role in housing mechanical systems, elevator shafts, and often stairwells. It serves as the structural backbone of the building, allowing for the vertical transportation of people and goods. The core typically contains utilities, such as plumbing and electrical systems, which are essential for the building’s operation. By centralizing these systems in the core, skyscrapers can maximize usable floor space around the outer edges of the building. This design minimizes the need for structural walls throughout the interior, allowing for open floor plans that can be configured more flexibly according to the needs of tenants. This configuration not only helps in the efficiency of the building's layout but also contributes to its overall structural integrity by distributing loads effectively. Thus, the central core is integral not only to the mechanical function of the building but also to its architectural performance and space utilization.