STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS FOR DUMMIES

Using a step-by-step guide in designing tall buildings directly argues with the recent advancements in
structural analysis. Each building and site is different from the others. It offers different challenges and
demands a specific consideration without preset formulation. After all, the creative design process is
generally unique and a formal guide seems out of place.

1. Avoid structural irregularities,

2. Identify elements where nonlinear response is anticipated,
a. For core wall structures, target flexural yielding at lower stories - just above podium;
probably 1/3 of tower height.
b. For framed structures, target yielding to be distributed over the entire building height
c. Flexural yielding in slender elements like girders and conventionally reinforced
coupling beams
d. Yielding of diagonal reinforcements in diagonally reinforced coupling beams
3. Be wary of the potential effects of higher-mode response,
4. Limit shear stresses in core walls to 2f'C (English units) at service-level shaking,
5. Limit total building displacement to less than 3% of building height at elastic response
spectrum analysis under MCE,
6. Consider stress concentrations brought by offsets in vertical elements to allow an adequate
member size and anticipate robust detailing requirements,
7. Pay careful attention to diaphragm configurations especially at transition zones (e.g. last
podium level and termination floor of shear walls) and ensure adequate load paths, and
8. For outrigger systems, evaluate if perimeters can resist the induced greater axial and shear
demands of the system.