• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.679-705
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• 2005

This paper presents a practical method to evaluate the effective length factors for columns in multi-storey unbraced frames based on the concept of storey-based elastic buckling by means of decomposing a multi-storey frame into a series of single-storey partially-restrained (PR) frames. The lateral stiffness of the multi-storey unbraced frame is derived and expressed as the product of the lateral stiffness of each storey. Thus, the stability analysis for the multi-storey frame is conducted by investigating the lateral stability of each individual storey, which is facilitated through decomposing the multi-storey frame into a series of single-storey PR frames and applying the storey-based stability analysis proposed by the authors (Xu and Liu 2002) for each single-storey PR frame. Prior to introducing decomposition approaches, the end rotational stiffness of an axially load column is derived and rotational stiffness interaction between the upper and lower columns is investigated. Three decomposition approaches, characterized by means of distributing beam-to-column rotational-restraining stiffness between the upper and lower columns, are proposed. The procedure of calculating storey-based column effective length factors is presented. Numerical examples are then given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed procedure.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.103-119
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• 2016

Multi-storey frame structures are frequently exposed to static and dynamic forces. Therefore analyses of static (buckling) and dynamic stability come into prominence for these structures. In this study, the effects of number of storey, static and dynamic load parameters, crack depth and crack location on the in-plane static and dynamic stability of cracked multi-storey frame structures subjected to periodic loading have been investigated numerically by using the Finite Element Method. A crack element based on the Euler beam theory is developed by using the principles of fracture mechanics. The equation of motion for the cracked multi-storey frame subjected to periodic loading is achieved by Lagrange's equation. The results obtained from the stability analysis are presented in three dimensional graphs and tables.

• Coupled systems mechanics
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.311-323
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• 2020

This paper deals with the effect of the mode shapes on the dynamic response of a multi-storey frame subjected to moving train loads which are modelled as loads of constant intervals with constant velocity using the finite element method. The multi-storey frame is modelled as a number of Bernoulli-Euler beam elements. First, the first few modes of the multi-storey frame are determined. Then, the effects of force span length to beam length ratio and velocity on dynamic magnification factor (DMF) are evaluated via 3D velocity-force span length to beam length ratio-DMF graphics and its 2D projections. By using 3D and 2D graphics, the directions of critical speeds that force the structure under resonance conditions are determined. Last, the mode shapes related to these directions are determined by the time history and frequency response graphs. This study has been limited by the vibration of the frame in the vertical direction.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.65 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2018

This study concerns about calculating exact natural frequencies of frames using a single variable shear deformation theory (SVSDT) which considers the parabolic shear stress distribution across the cross section. Free vibration analyses are performed for multi-bay, multi-storey and multi-bay multi-storey type frame structures. Dynamic stiffness formulations are derived and used to obtain first five natural frequencies of frames. Different beam and column cross sections are considered to reveal their effects on free vibration analysis. The calculated natural frequencies are tabulated with the results obtained using Euler-Bernoulli Beam Theory (EBT) and Timoshenko Beam Theory (TBT). Moreover, the effects of inner and outer columns on natural frequencies are compared for multi-bay frames. Several mode shapes are plotted.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.1061-1076
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• 2016

Prefabricated Modular Buildings are increasingly becoming popular in the construction industry as a method to achieve financially economical buildings in a very short construction time. This increasing demand for modular construction has expanded into multi-storey applications where the effect of lateral loads such as seismic loads becomes critical. However, there is a lack of detailed scientific research that has explored the behaviour of modular buildings and their connection systems against seismic loads. This paper will therefore present the nonlinear time history analysis of a multi-storey modular building against several ground motion records. The critical elements that need special attention in designing a modular building in similar seismic conditions is discussed with a deeper explanation of the behaviour of the overall system.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.437-448
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• 2017

Soft or extreme soft storeys in multi-storied buildings cause localized damage (and even collapse) during strong earthquake shaking. The presence of such soft or extremely soft storey is identified through provisions of vertical stiffness irregularity in seismic design codes. Identification of the irregularity in a building requires estimation of lateral translational stiffness of each storey. Estimation of lateral translational stiffness can be an arduous task. A simple procedure is presented to estimate storey stiffness using only properties of fundamental lateral translational mode of oscillation (namely natural period and associated mode shape), which are readily available to designers at the end of analysis stage. In addition, simplified analytical expressions are provided towards identifying stiffness irregularity. Results of linear elastic time-history analyses indicate that the proposed procedure captures the irregularity in storey stiffness in both low- and mid-rise buildings.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.287-299
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• 2001

Columns in multi-storey frames are presently categorised as either braced or unbraced, usually by means of the stability index criterion, for estimating their effective length ratios by design aids such as 'alignment charts'. This procedure, however, ignores the transition in buckling behaviour between the braced condition and the unbraced one. Hence, this results in either an overestimation or an underestimation of effective length estimates of columns in frames that are in fact 'partially braced'. It is shown in this paper that the transitional behaviour is gradual, and can be approximately modelled by means of a 'fuzzy logic' based technique. The proposed technique is simple and intuitively agreeable. It fills the existing gap between the braced and unbraced conditions in present codal provisions.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.55-71
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• 2005

In several design codes and specifications, simplified formulae and diagrams are given for determining the buckling lengths of frame columns. It is shown that these formulae may yield rather erroneous results in certain cases. This is due to the fact that, the code formulae utilise only local stiffness distributions. In this paper, a simplified procedure for determining approximate values for the buckling loads of multi-storey frames is developed. The procedure utilises lateral load analysis of frames and yields errors in the order of 10%, which may be considered suitable for design purposes. The proposed procedure is applied to several numerical examples and it is shown that all the errors are in the acceptable range and on the safe side.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.49-63
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• 2017

Traditional reinforced concrete slabs and beams are widely used for building. The use of flat slab structures gives advantages over traditional reinforced concrete building in terms of design flexibility, easier formwork and use of space and shorter building time. Deflection of the slab plays a critical role on the design and service life of building components; however, there is no recent research to explore actual deformation of concrete slab despite various advancements within the design codes and construction technology. This experimental study adopts the Hydrostatic Levelling Cells method for monitoring the deformation of a multi-storey building with flat slabs. In addition, this research presents and discusses the experimental results for the vertical deformation.

• International Journal of High-Rise Buildings
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.137-143
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• 2023

The use of Engineered Wood Systems (EWS), especially mass-timber, as a structural alternative or complement to steel and concrete is gaining interest and acceptance across different sectors of architecture, engineering, and construction, including in high-rise buildings. Focussing on the Australian context, this study examines the levels of adoption and barriers to using timber as a primary structural material in multi-storey buildings. Data collected from semi-structured interviews with stakeholders at the forefront of adoption in structural design, construction, and property development indicates that timber in multi-storey projects in Australia still faces industry-wide challenges. Designers' awareness and attitudes towards timber adoption are generally positive and suitable for flagship projects, including tall buildings, but for enduring and widespread impact, long-term investment in education within and outside the range of stakeholders already committed to promoting timber adoption is needed.