One‐dimensional finite element solution for non‐uniform tall building structures and loading

Abstract

AbstractBy using a one‐dimensional finite element numerical version based on the continuous medium technique, plane panels of variable geometry and loading are considered, in order to emphasize the capacity of a corresponding very simple computer code. Twin shear walls linked by lintel beams, with walls of lower storeys having bigger cross‐section than the next upper floors, are considered under variable horizontal wind loading through the building height. Afterwards, in that same panel, stronger discrete lintel beam is subsequently placed at each floor position. Results may show where is the optimum level to place those reinforcements in order to get, for example, the smaller top horizontal deflection. The second example considers the case of shear wall curtailment, in the frame shear wall association by pinned bars. Due to the individual behaviour of a single shear wall and of a single frame, it is possible (and real construction may permit that) to construct the wall up to a certain level, smaller than the building height, without having any significant change in the panel top displacement. By using the particular continuous medium finite element computer code, developed by the first author, it is possible to analyse several modelled structures, each having the curtailed wall at subsequent levels, from base to top, and to build an ‘influence line’ to find out the optimum curtailment level. Comparisons with the matrix discrete method and with analytical solutions were considered. Reference to free vibration solutions for such structures was also made. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.