Building Structures

Modeling and Analysis Concepts

Overall Design Process
 Conception
 Modeling
 Analysis
 Design
 Detailing
Integrated
 Drafting Design
 Costing Process
Building Systems
 Building is an assemblage of various Systems
 Basic Functional System
 Structural System
 Plumbing and Drainage System
 Electrical, Electronic and Communication System
 Security System
 Other specialized systems
The Building Structural System - Physical

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

Sub-structure and Member Design

Beams, Columns, One-way/Two-way Slabs, Flat Slabs,

Transfer Plates, Shear Walls, Deep Beams
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 - tubular structure, 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 for gravity and lateral loads

 For Gravity Loads - How Gravity Loads are Distributed

 Analysis of Gravity Load Resisting System for:
 Dead Load, Live Load, Cladding Loads, temperature, shrinkage, creep
 Important Elements: Floor slabs, beams, columns, 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
Structural System

STRUCTURE
EXCITATION RESPONSES
Loads Displacements
Vibrations Strains
Settlements pv
Stress
Thermal Changes
The Need for Modeling

• We would like to predict the structural response before the

structure is being constructed

• Real structure are not available for analysis

We therefore need tools to Model the

Structure and to Analyze the Model
The Need for Structural Model

STRUCTURE

EXCITATION RESPONSES
Loads Displacements
Vibrations Strains
Settlements pv
Stress
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

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)
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 Plate 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 3D
Truss and Beam Elements (1D,2D,3D)

 2-3 Nodes. A, I etc.

 2 D Elements (Plate type)

 Can be used in 2D and 3D Model Plane Stress, Plane Strain, Axisymmetric, Plate and Shell Elements (2D,3D)

 3-9 nodes. Thickness

 3 D Elements
 Can be used in 3D Model
 6-20 Nodes.
Brick 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 Membra Plate Shell Solid
ne
Truss OK OK Dz OK OK OK

Frame Rx, Ry, R Rx, Ry, R Rx Rx, Ry, R

OK Rx
z z, Dz Dx, Dy z
Membrane OK OK OK Dx, Dy OK OK

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

Shell Rx, Ry, R Rx, Ry, R

OK Dx, Dz OK Rx, Rz
z z, Dz
Solid OK OK Dz Dx, Dz OK OK

Degrees Of Freedom:
0 1 2 3 4
Selection Of Structural Systems
Knowledge Model for System Selection
 Architecture
 Building Services
 Construction Eng.
 Value Eng.
 Aesthetics
 Ergonomics Eng.
Structural
 Structural Eng. Construction
Engineering System Selection Artificial Intelligence

 Local Practices
 Economics
 Common Sense

Engineering
Structural
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 Characteristic 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 Characteristic of 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: s
ufficient shear walls to limit the resultant tension under gravity pl
us wind
• Lateral load resistance varies significantly
Vertical Load Resisting Systems
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
Popular Gravity Load Resting Systems

 Direct Load Transfer Systems (Single load transfer path)

 Flat Slab and Flat Plate
 Beam-Slab
 Waffle Slab

 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
5.0 m
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 Beam-Slab
Effect of Beam Size on Moment Distribution

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

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
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 Load

 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 has 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
Modeling of
Lateral Load Resisting Systems
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

 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 Rigid Floor.
Typical Frame Elevation
 Full 3D Finite Element Model
 The columns and beams are modeled by using line
elements

 The slabs and shear walls are modeled by using shell/plate

elements

 Enough 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 shell. The out of plane
bending is not significant
Full 3D Finite Element Model
Example:

– Uses 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 Diagonal
 Use Plate Elements Bracing
 Panels, Plane Stress

Use Plate
 Use Diagonals Elements
 In 3D Frame Models

 Use Conceptual Rigid 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
 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 one-way slab portion
 Slab: Represents one-way or two-way slab portion
 Opening: Represents Openings in Floor
Basic Floor Modeling Object
 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

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

Beam 1

Beam 2
the ETABS Analysis Model

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

Beam2
Beam2
Beam1

Beam3

Beam1

Beam3
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 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
 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 x x/2 x/2

end point of an imaginary beam Edge 3 Edge 3
wx / 2
is itself imaginary, then the load Direction of deck span
from the imaginary beam

Edge 4

Edge 2

Edge 4

Edge 2
c) Loading on Edges 2 and 4
tributary to that end point is
lost, that is, it is ignored by Uniform load = w

ETABS 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 member at x1 x2 P P * x1

the end point of an imaginary x1 + x2
Edge 3
beam is itself imaginary, then
the load from the imaginary Direction of deck span Edge 4 Edge 2
c) Loading on Edge 2
x1 x2
beam tributary to that end

Edge 2
Edge 4

Point load, P
point is lost, that is, it is P * x2
P * x2 P * x1 x1 + x2
ignored by ETABS
x1 + x2 x1 + x2
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.
Load Transformation
Effect of Deck Openings 4' 6' 14'
Note: Assume floor loading is 100
psf. Opening is either loaded or

Example of effect of openings on unloaded as noted in c, d, e and f

which are loading diagrams for
Beam 1.
distribution of load over deck sections

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
 midpoint 2 3 2
2
1 1 3 3
1 1 midpoints

1 1

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

plus one vertical
support element at
h) Real beams on two
adjacent sides plus
one vertical support
i) Real beam on one side
plus two vertical
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
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