Jcd Hans Hoenderkamp

The influence of non-rigid floor structures on facade rigger braced high-rise trussed frames

This paper presents a graphical method of analysis for preliminary design of horizontally loaded tall buildings which are laterally supported by vertical trussed frames and horizontal off-set riggers which are located in the exterior or facade skeletal frame structures in the direction of the lateral loading. The interaction between the trussed frames and these facade riggers is through the two floor structures adjacent to the top and bottom cords of the riggers. The method of analysis requires the calculation of seven planar stiffness parameters: bending and shear stiffness of the vertical trussed frames, the horizontal off-set riggers and the floor structures in addition to the bending stiffness of the exterior skeletal frame structures which support the riggers. The method allows a graphical procedure for obtaining the optimum level of the facade riggers in addition to a rapid assessment of the influence of the floor structures and facade riggers on the performance of the high-rise structure such as the reduction in lateral deflection at the top and the overturning moment at the base of the trussed frames.