Introduction to the design of multi-storey buildings: part 1
OBJECTIVE/SCOPE
To present preliminary topics in designing multi-storey buildings.
SUMMARY
The lecture gives a brief description of the fundamental components of a building frame. It presents different structural arrangements to resist horizontal and vertical loadings. Finally, consideration is given to the question of fire protection.
1. INTRODUCTION
A multi-storey building must resist the combined effects of horizontal and vertical loads; it is composed of foundations, frameworks, and floor slabs.
The framework comprises columns and beams together with horizontal and vertical bracings, which stabilise the building by resisting horizontal actions (wind and seismic loads).
Floor slabs are supported by beams so that their vertical loads are transmitted to the columns. They are made of reinforced concrete or composite slabs using profiled steel sheets. Columns are commonly made of H or hollow hot-rolled steel sections. The use of hollow sections filled with concrete can improve their fire resistance. Beams are commonly made of I and H profiles. Nevertheless, the use of welded built-up sections can offer more rational solutions in some cases.
The usual structural systems belong essentially to two categories: moment resisting frame systems and braced-frame systems - the second being the simplest and, therefore, the most economic solution.
In braced frames, vertical bracings are formed by diagonal members within the steel frame. These bracings may be of different form (cross-braced X shaped, V or inverted V shaped, symmetrical or unsymmetrical portal). Alternatives to steel bracings are reinforced concrete shear walls or cores.
These main components of multi-storey buildings and their design are described in the following section:
By closing this message, you consent to our cookies on this device in accordance with our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. You can change your cookie settings at any time, but parts of our site will not function correctly without them.
