Managing pile foundation and land cost for high-rise buildings in the early design stages

High-rise buildings in areas with thick layers of sedimentation require deep pile foundations which lead to higher costs. The height, layout and location of high-rise buildings are crucial to reducing costs. The aim of this paper is to propose a cost estimation model for buildings, which includes pile foundation and land cost. The element method for cost control and structural theories are integrated in order to predict costs per m² of floor. Specific soil characteristics have been combined with wind and seismic loads. The result of this study is a cost estimation model that allows for the comparison of these different layouts (building height and depth). The effect of land cost and soil conditions (requiring appropriate pile foundation) on the price per m² of floor can be calculated. The model can support designers, developers and policy-makers in making decisions in the early design stages.High-rise buildings in areas with thick layers of sedimentation require deep pile foundations which lead to higher costs. The height, layout and location of high-rise buildings are crucial to reducing costs. The aim of this paper is to propose a cost estimation model for buildings, which includes pile foundation and land cost. The element method for cost control and structural theories are integrated in order to predict costs per m² of floor. Specific soil characteristics have been combined with wind and seismic loads. The result of this study is a cost estimation model that allows for the comparison of these different layouts (building height and depth). The effect of land cost and soil conditions (requiring appropriate pile foundation) on the price per m² of floor can be calculated. The model can support designers, developers and policy-makers in making decisions in the early design stages.