Seismic Evaluation of High Rise Buildings Using Hybrid Configuration of Grid Systems

Abstract

The developments in construction techniques, materials, structural systems and analytical methods for analysis opened the door for the growth of high rise buildings. The lateral resistance of such a structure is offered by interior structural systems or exterior structural systems. Recently, grid systems are adopted in tall buildings due to its structural efficiency, superiority in aesthetic appeal and flexibility in architectural planning. Diagrids and hexagrids contain diamond shaped modules and hexagons respectively, throughout exterior of structure and they don’t have any external vertical columns. The behaviour of high rise buildings using combination of grid systems has not been explored. This study focuses on the structural performance of high rise steel buildings for various combinations of grid systems. In this study ETABS V16 software was used for modelling and analysis of a 36 storey building with regular floor plan. Models were created using combinations of diagrid and hexagrid systems with optimum diagonal angle and module density. Time history analysis of these models were carried out to examine their seismic performance. The combinations with better performance were determined Combined grid system is a viable option when governed by overall weight and cost.