Comparative analysis and design of tower using diagrid, conventional moment frame and braced frame system of steel structures

Abstract

The diagrid structure system has become an encouraging alternative for the construction of tall buildings partly because of the aesthetic reason. Structurally, the system also interesting because its diagonal intersecting members are capable of resisting vertical and lateral forces efficiently. This research compared the design of steel tower building using diagrid (DIA) system and the more commonly used systems, moment frame (MF) and braced frame (BF). Numerical modelling using finite element software ETABS were conducted to design a 10-story building of 15x15m with total height of 50 meters. The seismic behaviors of all models were compared under the same loading conditions. From the analysis results the DIA model showed superior seismic behavior followed by BF and MF. The DIA model was not only stiffer than the others, but also required smaller volume of steel.