Analysis of 3D multi-storey building numerical models including floor slabs and shear walls depending on the connection type in the steel structure

Abstract

Multi-storey steel buildings are usually designed with rigid connections between beams and columns or with simple hinged connections and a stiffening system. The paper focuses on the 3D structural design of multi-storey steel buildings including floor slabs and shear walls. The method of numerical modelling has been applied to investigate the influence of rigid connections between certain structural elements on the lateral stiffness of the multi-storey building structure, when floor slabs and shear walls are considered in the structural design. Four building heights and six structural system types, having the same floor plan have been examined. 3D numerical models have been configured in FEM software to evaluate the lateral stiffness of the structures exposed to gravity and seismic loads. The maximum horizontal deflections and natural periods of vibrations are presented in the paper. It has been concluded that the connection type in the multi-storey steel structure has no significant influence on the lateral stiffness of the structure when structural design considers floor slabs and shear walls.