HIGH-RISE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PLANS [DWG]
A tower block, high-rise, apartment tower, residential tower, apartment block, block of flats, or office tower is a tall building or structure used as a residential and/or office building. In some areas it may be referred to as an “MDU”, standing for “Multi-Dwelling Unit”.In the United States, such a structure is referred to as an apartment building or office building, while a group of such buildings is called an apartment complex or office complex.
High-rise buildings became possible with the invention of the elevator (lift) and cheaper, more abundant building materials. The materials used for the structural system of high-rise buildings are reinforced concrete and steel. Most North American-style skyscrapers have a steel frame, while residential blocks are usually constructed of concrete. There is no clear difference between a tower block and a skyscraper, although a building with fifty or more stories is generally considered a skyscraper.