Overall Design Process

• Conception
• Modeling
• Analysis
• Design Integrated
• Detailing Design
• Drafting Process
• Costing
 Building Systems

• Building is an assemblage of various Systems

– Basic Functional System
– Structural System
– HVAC System
– Plumbing and Drainage System
– Electrical, Electronic and Communication System
– Security System
– Other specialized systems
 The Building Structural System - Physical

Building Structure

Floor Diaphragm
Frame and Shear Walls
Lateral Load Resisting System Floor Slab System
Gravity Load Resisting System

Sub-structure and Member Design

Beams, Columns, Two-way Slabs, Flat Slabs, Pile caps

Shear Walls, Deep Beams, Isolated Footings, Combined Footings
 The Building Structural System - Conceptual

• The Gravity Load Resisting System (GLRS)

– The structural system (beams, slab, girders, columns, etc)
that act primarily to support the gravity or vertical loads

• The Lateral Load Resisting System (LLRS)

– The structural system (columns, shear walls, bracing, etc)
that primarily acts to resist the lateral loads

• The Floor Diaphragm (FD)

– The structural system that transfers lateral loads to the
lateral load resisting system and provides in-plane floor
stiffness
 Building Response
• Objective: To determine the load path gravity and lateral loads

• For Gravity Loads - How Gravity Loads are Distributed

– Analysis of Gravity Load Resisting System for:
• Dead Load, Live Live Load, Pattern Loads, temperature, shrinkage
– Important Elements: Floor slabs, beams, openings, Joists, etc.

• For Lateral Loads – How Lateral Loads are Distributed

– Analysis of Lateral Load Resisting System for:
• Wind Loads, Seismic Loads, Structural Un-symmetry
– Important elements: Columns, shear walls, bracing , beams
Structural Response
To Loads
 The Simplified Structural System

STRUCTURE
EXCITATION RESPONSES
Displacements
Loads
Vibrations Strains
Stress
Settlements pv
Stress Resultants
Thermal Changes
 Analysis of Structures

 xx  yy  zz
+ + + pvx = 0
x y z
pv
Real Structure is governed by “Partial
Differential Equations” of various order

Direct solution is only possible for:

• Simple geometry
• Simple Boundary
• Simple Loading.
 The Need for Modeling

A - Real Structure cannot be Analyzed:

It can only be “Load Tested” to determine response

B - We can only analyze a

“Model” of the Structure

C - We therefore need tools to Model the

Structure and to Analyze the Model
 The Need for Structural Model

STRUCTURE

EXCITATION RESPONSES
Displacements
Loads
Vibrations Strains
Stress
Settlements pv
Stress Resultants
Thermal Changes

Structural
Model
 Finite Element Method: The Analysis Tool

• Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

“A discretized solution to a continuum
problem using FEM”

• Finite Element Method (FEM)

“A numerical procedure for solving (partial)
differential equations associated with field
problems, with an accuracy acceptable to
engineers”
 Continuum to Discrete Model

pv

3D-CONTINUM CONTINUOUS MODEL DISCRETE MODEL

MODEL OF STRUCTURE OF STRUCTURE
(Governed by either (Governed by algebraic
(Governed by partial
partial or total differential equations)
differential equations)
equations)
 From Classical to FEM Solution

Classical Assumptions FEM

Equilibrium
Actual Structure Structural Model

 xx  yy  zz
x
+
y
+
z
+ pvx = 0
Stress-Strain Law
Kr = R
Compatibility “Algebraic
“Partial Differential
Equations”
Equations” _ _ _

 t
 dV =  p u dV +  p u ds
v
t
v
t
s
K = Stiffness
r = Response
(Principle of Virtual Work) R = Loads
 Simplified Structural System

Loads (F) Deformations (D)

Fv

D K
F

F=KD
 The Structural System

STRUCTURE

RESPONSES
EXCITATION
pv

• Static • Elastic • Linear

• Dynamic • Inelastic • Nonlinear
 The Equilibrium Equations
1. Linear-Static Elastic OR Inelastic
Ku = F
2. Linear-Dynamic Elastic
Mu(t ) + Cu (t ) + Ku(t ) = F (t )
3. Nonlinear - Static Elastic OR Inelastic
Ku + FNL = F
4. Nonlinear-Dynamic Elastic OR Inelastic
Mu(t ) + Cu (t ) + Ku(t ) + F (t ) NL = F (t )
 Basic Steps in FEA

Evaluate Real Structure

Create Structural Model

Discretize Model in FE

Solve FE Model
Engineer

Interpret FEA Results Engineer + Software

Software
Physical significance of Results
 Discretization of Continuums
General Solid

( Orthogonal dimensions)

Z
H, B much less than L
Regular Solid
Beam Element
X
( T small compared to Lengths )
Y Solid Element
Plate/ Shell

Membrane/ Panel Plate/ Slab Shell

In-Plane, Only Axial Out of Plane, Only Bending In-Plane and Bending
Global Modeling of Structural Geometry

(a) Real Structure

(b) Solid Model (c) 3D Plate-Frame (d) 3D Frame

(e) 2D Frame (f) Grid-Plate

Fig. 1 Various Ways to Model a Real Struture

 Dimensions of Elements
• 1 D Elements (Beam type)
– Can be used in 1D, 2D and 2D
– 2-3 Nodes. A, I etc.
Truss and Beam Elements (1D,2D,3D)

• 2 D Elements (Plate type)

– Can be used in 2D and 3D Model
– 3-9 nodes. Thickness Plane Stress, Plane Strain, Axisymmetric, Plate and Shell Elements (2D,3D)

• 3 D Elements (Brick type)

– Can be used in 3D Model
– 6-20 Nodes.

Brick Elements
 DOF for 1D Elements
Dy Dy Dy

Rz Dz
Dx Dx

2D Truss 2D Beam 3D Truss

Ry
Dy Dy Dy
Rz
Dx Rz Rx Dz Dx Rx
Rz

2D Frame 2D Grid 3D Frame

 DOF for 2D Elements

Ry ?
Ry ?
Dy Dy
Dy

Rz Dz Dx Rx
Dx Rx
Rz

Plate Shell
Membrane
 DOF for 3D Elements

Dy

Dz Dx

Solid/ Brick
 Frame and Grid Model

• The structure represented by rod or

bar type elements
• Does not model the cross-section
dimensions
• Suitable for skeletal structures 3D Frame
• Sometimes surface type structures
can also be represented by frame 2D Grid
model
• The simplest and easiest model to
construct, analyze and interpret
• Can be in 2D or in 3D space

2D Frame
 Membrane Model

• Ignore bending stiffness

• Tension / Compression
• In- plane Shear
• For in plane loads
• Principle Stresses
• suitable for very thin structures
/ members
• Thin Walled Shells,
• Specially Suitable for Ferro
Cement Structure
 Plane Stress and Plane

Plain-Strain
Assumptions x
1 unit

  

 
  
  

 
x2

 
x1
x3
 
 
 
3D Problem

2D Problem x

Plane Strain Problem Plane Stress Problem

 Plate Bending Model

• Primarily Bending mode

• Moment and Shear are
predominant
• Suitable for moderately thick
slabs and plates
• For Out-of-plane loads only
• Can be used in 3D or 2D models
• Suitable for planks and
relatively flat structures
 General Plate-Shell Model

• Combined Membrane and Plate

• Suitable for general application
to surface structures
• Suitable for curved structures
• Thick shell and thin shell
implementations available
• Membrane thickness and plate
thickness can be specified
separately
• Numerous results generated.
Difficult to design the section for
combined actions
 Solid Model

• Shear Axial deformation mode in 3D

• Suitable for micro-models
• Suitable for very thick plates / solids
• May not be applicable much to
ferocement structures

• Use 6 to 20 node
elements
 Soil-Structure Interaction
• Simple Supports
• Fix, Pin, Roller etc.
• Support Settlement

• Elastic Supports
• Spring to represent soil
• Using Modulus of Sub-grade reaction

• Full Structure-Soil Model

• Use 2D plane stress elements
• Use 3D Solid Elements
Connecting Different Types of Elements
Truss Frame Membrane Plate Shell Solid

Truss
OK OK Dz OK OK OK

Frame Rx, Ry, Rz, Rx ?

Rx, Ry, Rz OK Rx ? Rx, Ry, Rz
Dz Dx, Dy
Membrane
OK OK OK Dx, Dy OK OK

Plate
Rx, Rz OK Rx, Rz OK OK Rx, Rz

Shell Rx, Ry, Rz,

Rx, Ry, Rz OK Dx, Dz OK Rx, Rz
Dz
Solid
OK OK Dz Dx, Dz OK OK

Orphan Degrees Of Freedom:

0 1 2 3 4
 What Type of
Analysis should be
Carried Out?
 Analysis Type

The type of Analysis to be carried out

depends on the Structural System

– The Type of Excitation (Loads)

– The Type Structure (Material and Geometry)
– The Type Response
 Basic Analysis Types

Excitation Structure Response Basic Analysis Type

Static Elastic Linear Linear-Elastic-Static Analysis
Static Elastic Nonlinear Nonlinear-Elastic-Static Analysis
Static Inelastic Linear Linear-Inelastic-Static Analysis
Static Inelastic Nonlinear Nonlinear-Inelastic-Static Analysis
Dynamic Elastic Linear Linear-Elastic-Dynamic Analysis
Dynamic Elastic Nonlinear Nonlinear-Elastic-Dynamic Analysis
Dynamic Inelastic Linear Linear-Inelastic-Dynamic Analysis
Dynamic Inelastic Nonlinear Nonlinear-Inelastic-Dynamic Analysis
 Some More Solution Types

• Non-linear Analysis
– P-Delta Analysis
– Buckling Analysis
– Static Pushover Analysis
– Fast Non-Linear Analysis (FNA)
– Large Displacement Analysis

• Dynamic Analysis
– Free Vibration and Modal Analysis
– Response Spectrum Analysis
– Steady State Dynamic Analysis
 Static Vs Dynamic

• Static Excitation
– When the Excitation (Load) does not vary rapidly with Time
– When the Load can be assumed to be applied “Slowly”
• Dynamic Excitation
– When the Excitation varies rapidly with Time
– When the “Inertial Force” becomes significant

• Most Real Excitation are Dynamic but are considered

“Quasi Static”
• Most Dynamic Excitation can be converted to
“Equivalent Static Loads”
 Elastic Vs Inelastic

• Elastic Material
– Follows the same path during loading and unloading and returns to initial
state of deformation, stress, strain etc. after removal of load/ excitation
• Inelastic Material
– Does not follow the same path during loading and unloading and may not
returns to initial state of deformation, stress, strain etc. after removal of
load/ excitation

• Most materials exhibit both, elastic and inelastic behavior

depending upon level of loading.
 Linear Vs Nonlinear

• Linearity
– The response is directly proportional to excitation
– (Deflection doubles if load is doubled)
• Non-Linearity
– The response is not directly proportional to excitation
– (deflection may become 4 times if load is doubled)
• Non-linear response may be produced by:
– Geometric Effects (Geometric non-linearity)
– Material Effects (Material non-linearity)
– Both
 Elasticity and Linearity
Linear-Elastic Linear-Inelastic

Action
Action

Deformation Deformation

Action
Action

Nonlinear-Elastic Nonlinear-Inelastic

Deformation Deformation
 Physical Object Based
Modeling, Analysis and Design
 Continuum Vs Structure

• A continuum extends in all direction, has infinite

particles, with continuous variation of material
properties, deformation characteristics and stress state

• A Structure is of finite size and is made up of an

assemblage of substructures, components and members

• Dicretization process is used to convert Structure to

Finite Element Models for determining response
 Physical Categorization of Structures

• Structures can be categorized in many ways.

• For modeling and analysis purposes, the overall physical
behavior can be used as basis of categorization

– Cable or Tension Structures

– Skeletal or Framed Structures
– Surface or Spatial Structures
– Solid Structures
– Mixed Structures
 Structure Types
• Cable Structures
• Cable Nets
• Cable Stayed

• Bar Structures
• 2D/3D Trusses
• 2D/3D Frames, Grids

• Surface Structures
• Plate, Shell
• In-Plane, Plane Stress

• Solid Structures
 Structure, Member, Element
• Structure can considered as an assemblage of “Physical
Components” called Members
– Slabs, Beams, Columns, Footings, etc.
• Physical Members can be modeled by using one or more
“Conceptual Components” called Elements
– 1D elements, 2D element, 3D elements
– Frame element, plate element, shell element, solid element, etc.
• Modeling in terms Graphical Objects to represent Physical
Components relieves the engineers from intricacies and
idiosyncrasy of finite element discretization
 Structural Members
Continuum

Regular Solid
(3D)

y
Plate/Shell (2D) z
x z x Beam (1D)
t<<(x,z)
b h
L>>(b,h)
h
t
z
x L
b

Dimensional Hierarchy of Structural Members

 Load Transfer Path For Gravity Loads

• Most loads are basically “Volume Loads” generated due to

mass contained in a volume

• Mechanism and path must be found to transfer these loads to

the “Supports” through a Medium

• All types of Static Loads can be represented as:

– Point Loads
– Line Loads
– Area Loads
– Volume Loads
 The Load Transfer Path
• The Load is transferred through a
medium which may be:
– A Point
– A Line
– An Area
– A Volume
– A system consisting of combination of
several mediums

• The supports may be represented as:

– Point Supports
– Line Supports
– Area Supports
– Volume Supports
 Graphic Object Representation
Geometry Support
Object Load
Medium Boundary

Point Load Point Support

Point Node
Concentrated Load Column Support

Beam Load Beam / Truss Line Support

Line Wall Load Connection Element Wall Support
Slab Load Spring Element Beam Support

Plate Element
Slab Load
Area Shell Element Soil Support
Wind Load
Panel/ Plane

Seismic Load
Volume Solid Element Soil Support
Liquid Load

ETABS uses graphic object modeling concept

 Load Transfer Path is difficult to Determine

• Complexity of Load Transfer Load

Mechanism depend on:

Vol.
– Complexity of Load
– Complexity of Medium Area

– Complexity of Boundary Line

Medium
Point Line Area Volume

Line
Area
Volume
Boundary
 Load Transfer Path is difficult to Determine

Point Line Area Volume

Transfer of a Point Load to Point Supports Through Various Mediums

 Objects in ETABS
• Building Object Specific Classification
– Plank – One way slabs
– Slab – One way or Two way slabs
– Deck – Special one way slabs
– Wall – Shear Walls, Deep Beams, In-Fill Panel
– Frame – Column, Beam or Brace
• Finite Elements
– Shell
– Plate
– Membrane
– Beam
– Node
 The Frame Element

• The Actions Corresponding to Six DOF at Both Ends, in

Local Coordinate System

2 2
1 1
+V2 +M2
+P +T

2 2
3 3
+V3 +M3

+V3 3 +M3 3

+P +T
+V2 +M2
 Shell Element

General
•Total DOF per Node = 6 (or 5)
•Total Displacements per Node = 3
U3, R3 U3, R3
•Total Rotations per Node = 3
U2, R2 U2, R2
•Used for curved surfaces
Node 3 Node 4
U1, R1
U1, R1
Application 3 2
U3, R3
•For Modeling surface elements carrying 1

general loads U3, R3 U2, R2 U2, R2

Node 1 Node 2

U1, R1 U1, R1
Building Specific Application
•May be used for modeling of general slabs Shell
systems. But not used generally
 Plate Element

General
•Total DOF per Node = 3
•Total Displacements per Node = 1
•Total Rotations per Node = 2 U3 U3
•Plates are for flat surfaces Node 3
R2
Node 4
R2

R1 R1
Application 3 2

•For Modeling surface elements carrying 1

U3 U3
out of plane loads R2 R2
Node 1 Node 2
R1 R1
Building Specific Application
•For representing floor slabs for Vertical
Plate
Load Analysis
•Model slabs
 Membrane Element

General
•Total DOF per Node = 3 (or 2)
•Total Displacements per Node = 2 R3
U2 U2
•Total Rotations per Node = 1 (or 0) Node 3 Node 4

•Membranes are modeled for flat surfaces 3

U1
2
U1

1
Application R3 R3
•For Modeling surface elements carrying Node 1
U2
Node 2
U2

in-plane loads U1 U1

Building Specific Application Membrane

•For representing floor slabs for Lateral
Load Analysis.
• Model Shear walls, Floor Diaphragm etc
 Meshing Slabs and Walls

“Zipper”

In general the mesh in the slab Some software automatically

should match with mesh in the wall establishes connectivity by using
to establish connection constraints or “Zipper” elements
Selection Of Structural Systems
Basic Concepts and Considerations
 Knowledge Model for System Selection

• Architecture

Engineering
Services
Building
• Building Services

Se d
e
on t an
Co dgem ering

ns
Ar
• Construction Eng.

mm en
ch
ing

Ju gine
ite
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ctu
So in
•

En
Value Eng. ftw ng

re
are s E
En
gin stem
• Aesthetics ee
rin
g
Sy

• Ergonomics Eng.
Structural
• Structural Eng. Construction
Engineering System Selection Artificial Intelligence

• Knowledge Eng.
• Economics eeri
ng Ec
on
gin om
En
• Artificial Intelligence e ics

s
lu
Va

etic

Kno ineeri
Eng
Engineering
sth
•

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Ae

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Common Sense
Ergo
 Determining System Suitability

The Analytical Hierarchy Approach

A weighted importance and suitability value analysis to
determine the comparative value of a system or option

m  n  p 
Value of
an Option
Vl =  Ai Si   Bij Sij   Cijkl Sijk  
i =1  j =1  k =1 

Global Sub Suitability

Importance Importance Value and
Weights and Weights and Score
Scores Scores
 Evaluating System Suitability
The Suitability Equation
m  n  p 
Vl =  Ai Si   Bij Sij   Cijkl Sijk  
i =1  j =1  k =1 

Using the Suitability Equation

Slab Systems Criteria Weights and Scores System
Value
Main Criteria Ai Am (V)
Sub Criteria Bij Sub Criteria Bin Bmn
Item k Item p Item k Item p Item p
Wt Score Wt Score Wt Score Wt Score Score

System – 1
System – l Cijkl Sijkl Cijnl Sijpl Cinkl Sinkl Cinnl Sinpl Smnpl
System - q
 Assigning Suitability Values

Score or Weight Representation of Suitability

10 Most important, most suitable, most desirable, essential

8,9 Very important, very suitable, very desirable

6,7 Important, suitable or desirable

5 May be or could be important, suitable or desirable

4,3 May not be important, suitable or desirable

1,2 Not important, not suitable, not desirable

0 Definitely not required, definitely not suitable, ignore

 Selection of Structural System

Function has considerable effect on the selection

of structural system

Based on Function/Occupancy of Tall Buildings:

• Residential Buildings
– Apartments
– Hotels
– Dormitories
• Office and Commercial Buildings
• Mixed Occupancy – Commercial + Residential
• Industrial Buildings and Parking Garages
 Typical Characteristics of Residential Bldg
• Known location of partitions and their load
• Column lines generally matches architectural layout
• Typical spans 15-22 ft
• Tall buildings economy in achieved using the thinnest slab
• One way pre-cast or flat slab – popular
• Lateral load resistance provided by frame or shear walls
• More or less fixed M/E system layouts
 Typical Characteristics of Office and Commercial Bldg

• Unknown location of partitions and their load

• Typical spans 20-35 ft
• Need for flexible M/E layouts
• Post-tension or ribbed and flat slab with drop panel –
popular

• Ideal balance between vertical and lateral load resisting

systems: sufficient shear walls to limit the resultant
tension under gravity plus wind

• Lateral load resistance varies significantly

 Vertical Load
Resisting Systems

The Components Needed to

Complete the Load-Transfer Path
for Vertical Gravity Loads
 Gravity Load Resisting Systems
Purpose
“ To Transfer Gravity Loads Applied at the Floor Levels
down to the Foundation Level”

• Direct Path Systems

• Slab Supported on Load Bearing Walls
• Slab Supported on Columns

• Indirect Multi Path Systems

• Slab Supported on Beams
• Beams Supported on Other Beams
• Beams Supported on Walls or Columns
 Vertical Load Resisting Systems
1. Slabs supported on Long Rigid Supports
– Supported on stiff Beams or Walls
– One-way and Two-way Slabs
– Main consideration is flexural reinforcement
2. Slab-System supported on Small Rigid Supports
– Supported on Columns directly
– Flat Slab Floor systems
– Main consideration is shear transfer, moment distribution in various
parts, lateral load resistance
3. Slabs supported on soil
– Slabs on Grade: Light, uniformly distributed loads
– Footings, Mat etc. Heavy concentrated loads
 Vertical Load
Behavior and Response
 Popular Gravity Load Resting Systems

• Direct Load Transfer Systems (Single load transfer path)

– Flat Slab and Flat Plate
– Beam-Slab
– Waffle Slab
– Wall Joist

• Indirect Load Transfer System (Multi step load transfer path)

– Beam, Slab
– Girder, Beam, Slab
– Girder, Joist
 Conventional Approach

• For Wall Supported Slabs

– Assume load transfer in One-Way or Two-Way manner
– Uniform, Triangular or Trapezoidal Load on Walls

• For Beam Supported Slabs

– Assume beams to support the slabs in similar ways as walls
– Design slabs as edge supported on beams
– Transfer load to beams and design beams for slab load

• For Flat-Slabs or Columns Supported Slabs

– Assume load transfer in strips directly to columns
Popular Gravity Load Resting Systems
 Gravity Load Transfer Paths

Single Path Single Path Dual Path

Slab On Walls Slab on Columns Slab On Beams,
Beams on Columns
 Gravity Load Transfer Paths

Mixed Path Complex Path Three Step Path

Slab On Walls Slab on Beams Slab On Ribs
Slab On Beams Slab on Walls Ribs On Beams
Beams on Walls Beams on Beams Beams on Columns
Beams on Columns
 Simplified Load Transfer

To Lines To Points To Lines and Points

Transfer of Area Load

Load Transfer Through Slab and Beam
Slab Deformation and Beams
 Slab System Behavior

B
Slab T = 200 mm
Beam Width, B = 300 mm
Beam Depth, D
a) 300 mm
b) 500 mm
c) 1000 mm
 Moment Distribution in Beam-Slab
Effect of Beam Size on
Moment Distribution

a) Beam Depth = 300 mm

c) Beam Depth = 1000 mm b) Beam Depth = 500 mm

 Moment Distribution in Slabs Only
Effect of Beam Size on Moment Distribution

a) Beam Depth = 300 mm b) Beam Depth = 500 mm c) Beam Depth = 1000 mm

Modeling and Analysis for
Vertical Loads
 Modeling for Gravity Loads
• Must be carried out for several load cases/ patterns
• Does not change much for different floors
1. Use “Direct Design” Methods
– Model, analyze and design “Floor by Floor, Without columns”
– Slab analysis and design by using Coefficients
– Beam analysis as continuous beams
2. Use Sub-Frame Concept
– Model slab/ beam for in-plane loads
– Model, analyze and design “Floor by Floor, With columns”
3. Use Grid, Plate Model for the Floor
– Model slab and beams for out-of plane loads
– Analyze un-symmetrical loads, geometry, openings etc.
4. Use full 3D Modeling
 The Design Strip Concept

Middle Strip

Design Strip
Column Strip

Middle Strip
Design Strip
 Using Equivalent Frame Method – Design Strip

Design Strip
½ Middle Strip L2

Column Strip

½ Middle Strip
L2
Drop Panels
Longitudinal Beams

Transverse Beams
L1
 Lateral Load
Resisting Systems

The Components Needed to

Complete the Load-Transfer Path
for Lateral Loads
 Lateral Load Bearing Systems
Purpose
“ To Transfer Lateral Loads Applied at any location in the
structure down to the Foundation Level”

• Single System
• Moment Resisting Frames
• Braced Frames
• Shear Walls
• Tubular Systems
• Dual System
• Shear Wall - Frames
• Tube + Frame + Shear Wall
 Lateral Loads

• Primary Lateral Loads

– Load generated by Wind Pressure
– Load generated due to Seismic Excitation

• Other Lateral Loads

– Load generated due to horizontal component of Gravity
Loads in Inclined Systems and in Un-symmetrical
structures
– Load due to lateral soil pressure, liquid and material
retention
 Sample Lateral Load Resistance Systems
• Bearing wall system
– Light frames with shear panels
– Load bearing shear walls
• Fully Braced System (FBS)
– Shear Walls (SW)
– Diagonal Bracing (DB)
• Moment Resisting Frames (MRF)
– Special Moment-Resisting Frames (SMRF)
– Concrete Intermediate Moment-Resisting Frame (IMRF)
– Ordinary Moment-Resisting Frame (OMRF)
• Dual Systems (DS)
– Shear Walls + Frames (SWF)
– Ordinary Braced Frame (OBF)
– Special Braced Frame (SBF)
Moment Resisting Frame
• The Load is transferred by
shear in columns, that
produces moment in
columns and in beams
• The Beam-Column
connection is crucial for the
system to work
• The moments and shear
from later loads must be
added to those from gravity
loads
Shear Wall and Frame
• The lateral loads is
primarily resisted by the
shear in the walls, in turn
producing bending moment
• The openings in wall
become areas of high stress
concentration and need to
be handled carefully
• Partial loads is resisted by
the frames
• Traditionally 75/25
distribution haws been used
 Shear Wall - Frame
• The Walls are part of the
frame and act together with
the frame members
• The lateral loads is
primarily resisted by the
shear in the walls, in turn
producing bending moment.
• Partial loads is resisted by
the frame members in
moment and shear
 Braced Frame
• The lateral loads is primarily
resisted by the Axial Force in
the braces, columns and
beams in the braced zone.
• The frame away from the
braced zone does not have
significant moments
• Bracing does not have to be
provided in every bay, but
should be provided in every
story
 Tubular Structure
• The system is formed by using
closely spaced columns and deep
spandrel beams
• The lateral loads is primarily
resisted by the entire building
acting as a big cantilever with a
tubular/ box cross-section
• There is a “shear lag” problem
between opposite faces of the tube
due to in-efficiency of column
beam connection
• The height to width ratio should
be more than 5
Braced Tube Systems
• Diagonal Braces are added to
the basic tubular structure
• This modification of the
Tubular System reduces shear
lag between opposite faces
Lateral Load
Resisting
System
Behavior, Response
and Modeling
 Modeling for Lateral Loads

1. 2D Frame Models
– Convert building in to several 2D frames in each direction
– Suitable for symmetrical loads and geometry
2. 3D Frame Model
– Make a 3D frame model of entire building structure
– Can be “open floor” model or “braced floor” model
3. Full 3D Finite Element Model
– A full 3D Finite Element Model using plate and beam elements
4. Rigid Diaphragm Model
– A special model suitable for buildings that uses the concept of Rigid
Floor Diaphragm
 Modeling as 2D Frame(s)
• Convert 3D Building to an assemblage of 2D Frames
– Using Independent Frames
– Using Linked Frames
– Using Sub-Structuring Concept
• Advantages
– Easier to model, analyze and interpret
– Fairly accurate for Gravity Load Analysis
• Main Problems:
– Center of Stiffness and Center of Forces my not coincide
– Difficult to consider building torsional effects
– Several Frames may need to be modeled in each direction
– Difficult to model non-rectangular framing system
 Create a Simple 2D Model

2. Select and
isolate Typical
2D Structure

1. Consider the Structure 3. Discretize

Plan and 3D View the Model,
apply loads

4. Obtain results
 Using Linked Frames
F1
Linked Elements
Shear Wall F2

F3
Modeling
Plan

F1 F2 F3

Link Element can allow only to transmit the shear and

axial force from one end to other end. It has moment
discontinuity at both ends
Link Element act as a member which links the forces of
one frame to another frame, representing the effect of
Typical Frame Elevation Rigid Floor.
 Full 3D Finite Element Model
• The columns and beams are modeled by using
beam elements
• The slabs and shear walls are modeled by using
plate elements
– At least 9 or 16 elements in each slab panel must be
used if gravity loads are applied to the slabs
– If the model is only for lateral analysis, one element
per slab panel may be sufficient to model the in-
plane stiffness
– Shear walls may be modeled by plate or panel or
plane stress element. The out of plane bending is
not significant
 Full 3D Finite Element Model
Example:
– Uses more than 4000
beam and plate elements
– Suitable for analysis for
gravity and lateral loads
– Results can be used for
design of columns and
beams
– Slab reinforcement
difficult to determine
from plate results
 Modeling of Floor Diaphragm
• Use Plate Elements
– Panels, Plane Stress Use Diagonal
Bracing
• Use Diagonals
– In 3D Frame Models Use Plate
• Use Conceptual Rigid Elements

Diaphragm
– Link Frames in 2D
– Master DOF in 3D
– Use Approximately
 The Rigid Floor Diaphragm

• Combines the simplicity and advantages of the 2D Frame

models with the accuracy of the 3D models
• Basic Concept:
– The building structure is represented by vertical units (2D Frames,
3D Frames and Shear Walls), connected by the invisible rigid
diaphragm
– The lateral movement of all vertical units are connected to three
master degree of freedom
– This takes into account the building rotation and its effect on the
vertical units.
– The modeling and analysis is greatly simplified and made efficient
 Rigid Floor Diaphragm Concept
• Modeled as Rigid Horizontal Plane of infinite
in-plane stiffness (in X-Y plane)
• Assumed to have a hinge connection with
frame member or shear wall, so flexural
influence of all floors to lateral stiff ness is
neglected
• All column lines of all frames at particular
level can not deform independent of each
other
• The floor levels of all frames must be at the
same elevation and base line, but they need
not have same number of stories
 How RFD Concept Works

Building d.o.f.’s
Y

F1 , 1
UL

rq UL3
rY
X UL2
rx
F3 , 3
UL1
F3 , 2

F2 , 1

Local Frame DOF

When Single Rigid Floor Cannot be Used
Automatic Floor Meshing
and Auto Load Transfer

(In ETABS)
 Area Objects: Slab
➢By default uses two-way load transfer
mechanism
➢Simple RC solid slab
➢Can also be used to model one way slabs
 Area Object: Deck
➢Use one-way load transfer mechanism
➢Metallic Composite Slabs
➢Includes shear studs
➢Generally used in association with
composite beams
➢Deck slabs may be
o Filled Deck
o Unfilled Deck
o Solid Slab Deck
 Area Object: Plank
➢By default use one-way load transfer
mechanism
➢Generally used to model pre-cast slabs
➢Can also be simple RC solid slab
 Automatic Floor Meshing

First step to Auto Load Transfer

 Basic Floor Modeling Object
• Points
– Columns
– Load Points
– Boundary Point
• Lines
– Beams
• Areas
– Deck: Represents a Steel Metal Deck, One way Load Transfer
– Plank : Represents clearly on-way slab portion
– Slab: Represents one-way or two-way slab portion
– Opening: Represents Openings in Floor
 Automatic Meshing

• ETABS automatically meshes all line objects with frame

section properties into the analysis model
• ETABS meshes all floor type (horizontal) area objects (deck
or slab) into the analysis model
• Meshing does not change the number of objects in the
model
• To mesh line objects with section properties use Edit menu
> Divide Lines
• To mesh area objects with section properties use Edit menu
> Mesh Areas
 Automatic Meshing

• Automatic Meshing of Line Objects

– Frame elements are meshed at locations where other frame
elements attach to or cross them and at locations where point
objects lie on them.
– Line objects assigned link properties are never automatically
meshed into the analysis model by ETABS
– ETABS automatically meshes (divides) the braces at the point
where they cross in the analysis model
– No end releases are introduced.
 Automatic Meshing of Line Objects
Girder A Beam 1 Beam 2

Piece 1 Piece 2 Piece 3

b) Girders A and B As Modeled in

the ETABS Analysis Model
Beam 1

Beam 2

Girder B

a) Floor Plan

Example showing how beams are automatically divided (meshed) where they
support other beams for the ETABS analysis model
 Automatic Meshing of Area Objects

– ETABS automatically meshes a floor-type area object up into four-

sided (quadrilateral) elements
– Each side of each element of the mesh has a beam (Real or Imaginary)
or wall running along it
– ETABS treats a wall like two columns and a beam where the columns
are located at the ends of the wall and the beam connects the columns.
– Each column is assumed to have four beams connecting to it
– The floor is broken up at all walls and all real and imaginary beams to
create a mesh of four-sided elements
 Automatic Meshing of Area Objects

Girder A Girder A

Beam 2
Beam 2
Beam 1

Beam 3

Beam 1

Beam 3
Girder B Girder B

a) Floor Plan b) ETABS Imaginary Beams Shown Dashed c) ETABS Automatic Floor Meshing

Example of ETABS automatically generated mesh for floor-type area objects

 Automatic Meshing of Area Objects

Example of ETABS
automatically generated mesh
for floor-type area objects

a) Floor Plan (No Beams) b) ETABS Imaginary Beams Connecting

Columns Shown Dashed

c) ETABS Imaginary Beams Extended to d) ETABS Automatic Floor Meshing

Edge of Floor Shown Dashed
 Automatic Meshing of Area Objects

– For floors that are automatically meshed by ETABS it is

recommended that model beams (or at least null-type line objects)
are connecting columns rather than no beams (or line objects)

– This makes the automatic meshing for the analysis model cleaner,
faster and more predictable

– Including beams and/or null-type line objects between all

columns in your model makes automatic floor meshing more
predictable
 Automatic Meshing of Area Objects
C4 C3 C4 C3 C4 C3

Illustration of how ETABS

creates the distribution of
imaginary beams
C1 C2 C1 C2 C1 C2
a) b) c)

C4 C3 C4 C3 C4 C3

C1 C2 C1 C2 C1 C2
d) e) f)

C4 C3 C4 C3 C4 C3

C1 C2 C1 C2 C1 C2
g) h) i)
Automatic Transformation and
Transfer of Floor Loads to
Appropriate Elements

(Using the Auto Meshed Geometry)

 Load Transformation

The main issue:

How point loads, line loads and area loads that lie on an area
object in your object-based ETABS model are represented in
the analysis model

There are four distinct types of load transformation in

ETABS for out-of-plane load transformation for floor-type
area objects
• with deck section properties
• with slab section properties that have membrane behavior only
• all other types of area objects
• In-plane load transformation for all types of area objects
 Load Transformation
Area Objects
– load transformation occurs after any 2
1
2
s
1

automatic meshing into the analysis

e4

e4
Edge 1 Edge 1
r

Edg

Edg
model

2
e

e
Edge 3 Edge 3

Edg

Edg
4 4
3 3
– ETABS normalizes the coordinates of a) Quadrilateral Element b) The r and s Axes

the four corner points of the area object

s (1, 1) s (1, 1)
(-1, 1) 1 (-1, 1) (r, s) 1
2 r 2 r
– The normalization is the key P

assumption in this method 4 4

3 (1, -1) 3 (1, -1)
(-1, -1) (-1, -1)

c) Corner Point r-s Coordinates d) Point Load, P

– It is a perfectly valid assumption if the
quadrilateral is a square, rectangular or
a parallelogram Example of transfer of out-of-plane loads
• for other area objects
 Load Transformation

• The load distribution for deck sections is one way, in

contrast to slab sections which are assumed to span in two
directions
• ETABS first automatically meshes the deck into
quadrilateral elements
• Once the meshing is complete ETABS determines the
meshed shell elements that have real beams along them and
those that have imaginary beams
• It also determines which edges of the meshed shell elements
are also edges of the deck.
 Load Transformation
Rectangular Interior Meshed Element with Uniform Load
If the supporting member
at the end point of an
imaginary beam is itself x x/2 x/2
imaginary, then the load Edge 3 Edge 3
wx / 2
from the imaginary beam
Direction of deck span
tributary to that end point

Edge 4

Edge 2

Edge 4

Edge 2
is lost, that is, it is c) Loading on Edges 2 and 4

ignored by ETABS Uniform load = w

Edge 1 Edge 1
a) Rectangular Interior Element b) Distribution of Uniform Load
of Meshed Floor

Example of rectangular interior meshed

element with a uniform load
 Load Transformation
Rectangular Interior Meshed Element with Point Load
– ETABS distributes the point load to the appropriate edge beams
(based on the direction of the deck span)
– If the beams along edges are real beams ETABS transfers the load onto
adjacent beams

If the supporting x1 x2 P P * x1
member at the end point x1 + x2
Edge 3
of an imaginary beam is
itself imaginary, then the Direction of deck span Edge 4 Edge 2
c) Loading on Edge 2
x1 x2
load from the imaginary Edge 4

Edge 2
Point load, P
beam tributary to that P * x2
P * x2 P * x1 x1 + x2
end point is lost, that is,
x1 + x2 x1 + x2
it is ignored by ETABS Edge 1
a) Rectangular Interior Element b) Distribution of Point Load d) Loading on Edge 4
of Meshed Floor
 Load Transformation
Rectangular Interior Meshed Element with Line Load

– A line load is transformed in a similar fashion to that for a point load

using a numerical integration technique

– The line load is discredited as a series of point loads which are

transformed to surrounding beams

– The series of point loads is then converted back to a line load on the
surrounding beams

– An area load that does not cover the entire element is also transformed in
a similar fashion to that for a point load using a numerical integration
technique.
 General Interior Meshed Element
3 3 3
Edge Edge Edge

Uniform load

2
Midpoint

4
Edge

Edge

Edge
Edge

Edge

Edge
Direction of deck span Midpoint

3 3 Edge 1 Edge 1 Edge 1

Edge Edge
a) General Interior Element of b) c)
P3 Line 3 P3 Meshed Floor Deck
2

2
P2 P2 Line 2
4

4
Edge

Edge
3 3
Edge Edge
Edge

Edge

2
P1 P1

4
Edge

Edge
Line 1

Edge

Edge
Edge 1 Edge 1
Edge 1 Edge 1
a) General Interior Element of b)
Meshed Floor Deck d) e) Transformation of Uniform Load f) Loading on Edge 1

Example of general interior meshed

element with a point load
g) Loading on Edge 2 h) Loading on Edge 3 i) Loading on Edge 4

Example of general interior meshed element with a

uniform load
 Exterior Meshed Element
Example of exterior meshed Beam 1b Beam 1a Beam 1b

Beam 2b

Beam 2b
D E F
elements with real beams on all sides

Beam 2a

Beam 2a
Edge of deck is at A B C
center of spandrel
beam, typical in this
example

a) Floor Plan b) Deck Meshing

Example of exterior meshed elements No beam at

Beam 1b

Beam 2b

Beam 1b

Beam 2b

Imaginary
Beam 6
edge of deck D E
with cantilever beams extending to Beam 3a Beam 3b Beam 3a
Beam 3b
edge of deck

Imaginary Beam 5
Beam 1a

Beam 2a

Beam 1a
A B C

No beam at
edge of deck
Beam 4a Beam 4b

a) Floor Plan b) Deck Meshing

 Exterior Meshed Element

am 8
ary Be
Imagin

ImaginaryBeam 6
am 7
ary Be
Imagin

Beam 2b
No beam at
D E

Beam 1b

Beam 1b
Beam 2b
edge of deck

Beam 3a Beam 3b Beam 3a Beam 3b

Imaginary Beam 5
Beam 1a

Beam 1a
Beam 2a

Beam 2a
A B C

No beam at
edge of deck

a) Floor Plan b) Deck Meshing

D
am 8 E2
ary Be
Example of exterior Imagin

ImaginaryBeam 6
am 7
meshed elements Imaginary Be

with cantilever

Beam 2b
E1

Beam 1b
beams extending to D
edge of a skewed Beam 3a Beam 3b

deck
c) Condition at Skewed Deck
Edge (Areas D and E)
 Exterior Meshed Element

Edge of deck
D E
Beam 1 Beam 1

Column 1 Column 1

Beam 2

Beam 2
A B C

a) Floor Plan b) Deck Meshing

Example of exterior meshed elements with overhanging slab

 Exterior Meshed Element
G H I
Beam 1a Beam 1b Beam 1a Beam 1b

Beam 2b

Beam 2b

Beam 3b
D E F J

Beam 3a
Beam 2a

Beam 2a
K
A B C

a) Floor Plan b) Deck Meshing

Example of exterior meshed elements with overhanging slab

 Effect of Deck Openings

4' 6' 14'

Example of effect of openings
Note: Assume floor loading is 100
psf. Opening is either loaded or on distribution of load over
unloaded as noted in c, d, e and f
which are loading diagrams for deck sections
Beam 1.
6'

4' 6' 14'

4'

0.6 klf
0.2 klf
2'

Beam 1

c) Unframed, unloaded opening

a) Floor Plan with Unframed Opening

4' 6' 14'

d) Unframed, loaded opening
0.7k 0.7k
0.6 klf 0.6 klf
0.1 klf
6'

e) Framed, unloaded opening

4'

1.5k 1.5k
2'

0.6 klf 0.6 klf

Beam 1 0.1 klf

b) Floor Plan with Framed Opening

(Beams on all Sides) f) Framed, loaded opening
 Load Transformation
Vertical Load Transformation for Floors with Membrane
Slab Properties
– only applies to floor-type area objects with slab section
properties that have membrane behavior only
– The load distribution for membrane slab sections is two way
– The actual distribution of loads on these elements is quite
complex
– ETABS uses the concept of tributary loads as a simplifying
assumption for transforming the loads
 1 1 3 3
1 1 midpoints

Floors with Membrane Slab Properties g) Real beam on one side

plus one vertical
1
h) Real beams on two
adjacent sides plus
1
i) Real beam on one side
plus two vertical
support element at one vertical support support elements at
corner point element at corner point corner points
3 2 4 3 3
3 2 3
4 4 2 2 3 3 4 3
3 3 2 2 1 2
1 1 1 1
1 2 2
1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2
a) Real beams on all sides b) Case 1 of real beams on c) Case 2 of real beams on j) Vertical support k) Vertical support l) Vertical support
three sides three sides elements at all corner elements at three elements at two
points (no real beams) corner points (no real adjacent corner points
2
beams) (no real beams)
2
2
2 2 1 2
1 1 1
1
Real beam at shell edge
1 1 1
d) Real beams on two e) Real beams on two f) Real beam on one side 1 1 No beam at shell edge
adjacent sides opposite sides m)Vertical support n) Vertical support
Tributary area dividing line
elements at two elements at one
2 2 3 2 opposite corner points corner point (no Vertical support element
midpoint (no real beams) real beams) Legend
2 2 3 2
1 1 3 3
1 1 midpoints

1 1
g) Real beam on one side h) Real beams on two i) Real beam on one side Tributary areas for various
plus one vertical adjacent sides plus plus two vertical
support element at one vertical support support elements at conditions of a membrane slab
corner point element at corner point corner points

4 3 3

4 3 3
 Floors with Membrane Slab Properties
3 3 Example of load distribution on a
membrane slab
3 3
4 4 2 2 4 4 2 2
1 1

1 1
a) Full uniform load b) Partial uniform load
transformation transformation
3 3

3 3
4 4 2 2 4 4 2 2
1 1

1 1
c) Line load transformation d) Point load transformation
Type of Slab Systems in SAFE
 The 5-Story Walkup Flats
A B C D E F G
6
5

6.0

6.0

3
2.8
2

2.8
1

4.0 4.0 5.5 5.5 4.0 4.0

Column Layout Plan

 The 5-Story Walkup Flats
A B C D E F G
6
5
C2 C1
C1= 0.3 x 0.8
6.0 C2 = 0.3 x 0.4
4
B1 B1 = 0.25 x 0.4
6.0 B2 = 0.25 x 0.5
B2
3 S1 = 0.15
2.8
2

2.8
1

4.0 4.0 5.5 5.5 4.0 4.0

Slab and Beam Layout
 The 5-Story Walkup Flats

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.5

2.0

6 5 4 3 2 1

Section
 35 Story Office Building
5

7.0

8.0

8.0

7.0 Plan
Typical Floor
1
(B1, B2, 4-35)
6.0 6.0 8.0 8.0 6.0 6.0
A B C D E F G
 35 Story Office Building
5

7.0

8.0

8.0

7.0 Plan
Floor 1-2
1

6.0 6.0 8.0 8.0 6.0 6.0

A B C D E F G
 35 Story Office Building
5

7.0

8.0

8.0

7.0 Plan
Floor 3
1

6.0 6.0 8.0 8.0 6.0 6.0

A B C D E F G
 35 Story Office Building

32 @ 3.5

2 @ 5.0

Section at 2 @ 2.8
C and D
5 4 3 2 1
 35 Story Office Building

32 @ 3.5

2 @ 5.0

Section at 2 @ 2.8
B and E
5 4 3 2 1
 35 Story Office Building

32 @ 3.5

2 @ 5.0

Section at 2 @ 2.8
A and G
5 4 3 2 1