UNIT-III

Computation of lateral stiffness considering beam and columns

Sub-Assemblage Method

This is one of the earliest methods to estimate storey stiffness in a multi-storey building. In this
method, all columns and beams in a storey are considered to resist equal magnitude of shear force and
rotations (at both ends), respectively. In addition, this method does not differentiate between interior
and exterior columns because it considers the frame to be a part of infinite array of members (Fig.
below). Therefore, the number of beams framing into the exterior column at top and bottom are
assumed the same as that for interior columns. Thus, using these simplifying assumptions this method
recommends storey stiffness (Ks) as the summation of lateral translational stiffness of individual
columns present in the storey under consideration. The lateral translational stiffness of each column
is estimated using slope-deflection equations and moment equilibrium of column sub-assemblage
comprised of individual column and beams framing into the column at top and bottom (Fig below).
Thus, storey stiffness for any intermediate storey in a multi-storey building is given as,

where, Kbt (=Ibt/L) and Kbb (=Ibb/L) are the flexural stiffness of the beams framing into columns at
top and bottom of a storey, respectively, and Kc (=Ic/H) the flexural stiffness of the column;
E,Ic,Ibt,Ibb,L, H are the modulus of elasticity of concrete, second moment of area of columns, second
moment of area of beam framing into the column at top, second moment of area of beam framing into
the column at bottom, length of the beam and height of storey, respectively. The above is applicable
for all storeys except first storey, where there is a need to account for the effects of base fixity. Hence,
an alternate equation to estimate storey stiffness of frames with fixed base is given as,

where, all terms are same as defined in the above two equations is determined considering the point
of inflection at two third the height of column measured from its base. Although this method presents
simple closed form equation to estimate storey stiffness, considered assumptions, while deriving the
same, may not be valid for all building; thus, the estimate of storey stiffness may not be accurate.
Equivalent Stiffness Method

This method considers an n-storey frame composed of n lateral translational springs connected in
series (Fig. ). The stiffness of storey i is given by the lateral translational stiffness of the spring present
in storey i. Lateral translational stiffness of first storey (i.e., first storey stiffness) is estimated as the
lateral force that results in unit lateral translational deformation in that storey (Fig. below). Lateral
translational stiffness of all storey, except first storey, is estimated using equivalent storey stiffness
(Ki,eq) and storey stiffness of all storeys below the considered storey and is given as,

where, Ki and Ki,eq represents the stiffness of storey i and equivalent stiffness of all storey below
storey i. Equivalent storey stiffness of a storey (Ki,eq) is estimated as the lateral force that results in
unit lateral translational deformation in that storey (Fig. below). Thus, this method requires n-
additional analyses to estimate storey stiffness of an n-storey building. Hence, this method is
considered cumbersome and time consuming.
Approximate Methods
for Structural
Analysis of
Building Frames
Instructional Objectives:
After reading this chapter the student will be able to
1. Analyse building frames by approximate methods for vertical loads.
2. Analyse building frames by the cantilever method for horizontal loads.
3. Analyse building frame by the portal method for horizontal loads.

36.1 Introduction
The building frames are the most common structural form, an analyst/engineer
encounters in practice. Usually the building frames are designed such that the
beam column joints are rigid. A typical example of building frame is the reinforced
concrete multistory frames. A two-bay, three-storey building plan and sectional
elevation are shown in Fig. 36.1. In principle this is a three dimensional frame.
However, analysis may be carried out by considering planar frame in two
perpendicular directions separately for both vertical and horizontal loads as shown
in Fig. 36.2 and finally superimposing moments appropriately. In the case of
building frames, the beam column joints are monolithic and can resist bending
moment, shear force and axial force. The frame has 12 joints  j  , 15 beam
members b , and 9 reaction components r. Thus this frame is statically
indeterminate to degree  315  9 12  3  18 (Please see lesson 1, module 1
for more details). Any exact method, such as slope-deflection method, moment
distribution method or direct stiffness method may be used to analyse this rigid
frame. However, in order to estimate the preliminary size of different members,
approximate methods are used to obtain approximate design values of moments,
shear and axial forces in various members. Before applying approximate methods,
it is necessary to reduce the given indeterminate structure to a determinate
structure by suitable assumptions. These will be discussed in this lesson. In lesson
36.2, analysis of building frames to vertical loads is discussed and in section 36.3,
analysis of building frame to horizontal loads will be discussed.
36.2 Analysis of Building Frames to Vertical Loads
Consider a building frame subjected to vertical loads as shown in Fig.36.3. Any
typical beam, in this building frame is subjected to axial force, bending moment
and shear force. Hence each beam is statically indeterminate to third degree and
hence 3 assumptions are required to reduce this beam to determinate beam.

Before we discuss the required three assumptions consider a simply supported

beam. In this case zero moment (or point of inflexion) occurs at the supports as
shown in Fig.36.4a. Next consider a fixed-fixed beam, subjected to vertical loads
as shown in Fig. 36.4b. In this case, the point of inflexion or point of zero moment
occurs at 0.21L from both ends of the support.
Now consider a typical beam of a building frame as shown in Fig.36.4c. In this
case, the support provided by the columns is neither fixed nor simply supported.
For the purpose
moment of approximate
is assumed to occur at analysis the inflexion point or point of zero
 0  0.21L 
 0.1L from the supports. In reality
 
2
 
the point of zero moment varies depending on the actual rigidity provided by the
columns. Thus the beam is approximated for the analysis as shown in Fig.36.4d.
For interior beams, the point of inflexion will be slightly more than 0.1L . An
experienced engineer will use his past experience to place the points of inflexion
appropriately. Now redundancy has reduced by two for each beam. The third
assumption is that axial force in the beams is zero. With these three assumptions
one could analyse this frame for vertical loads.

Example 36.1
Analyse the building frame shown in Fig. 36.5a for vertical loads using
approximate methods.
Solution:
In this case the inflexion points are assumed to occur in the beam at 0.1L 0.6m
from columns as shown in Fig. 36.5b. The calculation of beam moments is
shown in Fig. 36.5c.
Now the beam  ve moment is divided equally between lower column and upper

column. It is observed that the middle column is not subjected to any moment, as
the moment from the right and the moment from the left column balance each
other. The  ve moment in the beam BE is 8.1kN.m . Hence this moment is

divided between column 8.1

  4.05kN.m . The
BC and BA . Hence,
M BC  M BA 2

maximum  ve moment in beam BE is 14.4 kN.m . The columns do carry axial

loads. The axial compressive loads in the columns can be easily computed. This
is shown in Fig. 36.5d.

36.3 Analysis of Building Frames to lateral (horizontal) Loads

A building frame may be subjected to wind and earthquake loads during its life
time. Thus, the building frames must be designed to withstand lateral loads. A two-
storey two-bay multistory frame subjected to lateral loads is shown in Fig.
36.6. The actual deflected shape (as obtained by exact methods) of the frame is
also shown in the figure by dotted lines. The given frame is statically indeterminate
to degree 12.
Hence it is required to make 12 assumptions to reduce the frame in to a statically
determinate structure. From the deformed shape of the frame, it is observed that
inflexion point (point of zero moment) occur at mid height of each column and mid
point of each beam. This leads to 10 assumptions. Depending upon how the
remaining two assumptions are made, we have two different methods of analysis:
i) Portal method and ii) cantilever method. They will be discussed in the
subsequent sections.

36.3.1 Portal method

In this method following assumptions are made.
1) An inflexion point occurs at the mid height of each column.
2) An inflexion point occurs at the mid point of each girder.
 3) The total horizontal shear at each storey is divided between the columns of
that storey such that the interior column carries twice the shear of exterior column.
The last assumption is clear, if we assume that each bay is made up of a portal
thus the interior column is composed of two columns (Fig. 36.6). Thus the interior
column carries twice the shear of exterior column. This method is illustrated in
example 36.2.

Example 36.2
Analyse the frame shown in Fig. 36.7a and evaluate approximately the column end
moments, beam end moments and reactions.

Solution:
The problem is solved by equations of statics with the help of assumptions made
in the portal method. In this method we have hinges/inflexion points at mid height
of columns and beams. Taking the section through column hinges M .N , O we
get, (ref. Fig. 36.7b).

 FX  0  V  2V  V  20

or V  5 kN
Taking moment of all forces left of hinge R about R gives,

V 1.5  M y  2.5  0

M y  3 kN  

Column and beam moments are calculates as,
M CB  5 1.5  7.5 kN.m ; M  7.5 kN.m
IH

MCF  7.5 kN.m

Taking moment of all forces left of hinge S about S gives,

5 1.5  Oy  2.5  0

O y  3 kN
 Ny  0

Taking a section through column hinges J , K , L we get, (ref. Fig. 36.7c).

 FX  0  V '2V 'V '  60

or V '  15 kN
 Taking moment of all forces about P gives (vide Fig. 36.7d)

M p  0151.5  51.5  3 2.5  J y  2.5  0

J y  15 kN   

Ly  15 kN  


 

Column and beam moments are calculated as, (ref. Fig. 36.7f)

M BC  51.5  7.5 kN.m ; M BA  151.5  22.5 kN.m

M BE  30 kN.m

M EF  10 1.5  15 kN.m ; M  30 1.5  45 kN.m

ED

M EB  30 kN.m M EH  30 kN.m

M HI  5 1.5  7.5 kN.m ; M  15 1.5  22.5 kN.m

HG

 30 kN.m
M HE

Reactions at the base of the column are shown in Fig. 36.7g.

36.3.2 Cantilever method

The cantilever method is suitable if the frame is tall and slender. In the cantilever
method following assumptions are made.
1) An inflexion point occurs at the mid point of each girder.
2) An inflexion point occurs at mid height of each column.
3) In a storey, the intensity of axial stress in a column is proportional to its
horizontal distance from the center of gravity of all the columns in that storey.
Consider a cantilever beam acted by a horizontal load P as shown in Fig. 36.8. In
such a column the bending stress in the column cross section varies linearly from
its neutral axis. The last assumption in the cantilever method is based on this fact.
The method is illustrated in example 36.3.
Example 36.3
Estimate approximate column reactions, beam and column moments using
cantilever method of the frame shown in Fig. 36.8a. The columns are assumed to
have equal cross sectional areas.

Solution:
This problem is already solved by portal method. The center of gravity of all column
passes through centre column.

x
 xA  0A  5A  10A  5 m
(from left column)

A A A A
 Taking a section through first storey hinges gives us the free body diagram as
shown in Fig. 36.8b. Now the column left of C.G. i.e. CB must be subjected to
tension and one on the right is subjected to compression.
From the third assumption,
My Oy  Oy
  My
5 A 5 A

Taking moment about O of all forces gives,

20 1.5  M y 10  0

M y  3 kN ; O y  3 kN


Taking moment about R of all forces left of R ,
 VM 1.5  3 2.5  0

VM  5 kN 



Taking moment of all forces right of S about S ,

VO 1.5  3  2.5  0  VO  5 kN.

 F 0
X
V M V N V O  20 0

VN  10 kN.

Moments

MCB  51.5  7.5 kN.m

MCF  7.5 kN.m

M FE  15 kN.m

M FC  7.5 kN.m

M FI  7.5 kN.m

M IH  7.5 kN.m

M IF  7.5 kN.m

Tae a section through hinges J , K , L (ref. Fig. 36.8c). Since the center of gravity
passes through centre column the axial force in that column is zero.
 Taking moment about hinge L , J can be evaluated. Thus,
y

20  3  40 1.5  3 10  J y 10  0

J  15 kN  ; L  15 kN  
y y


Taking moment of all forces left of P about P gives,

5 1.5  3 2.5 15  2.5  V j 1.5  0

VJ  15 kN


Similarly taking moment of all forces right of Q about Q gives,

51.5  3 2.5 15 2.5 VL 1.5  0

VL  15 kN


F X 0 VJ  VK  VL  60  0
VK  30 kN.
Moments

M BC  51.5  7.5 kN.m ; M BA  151.5  22.5 kN.m

M BE  30 kN.m

M ED  301.5  45 kN.m
M EF  10 1.5  15 kN.m ;

M EB  30 kN.m M EH  30 kN.m

M HI  51.5  7.5 kN.m ; MHG  151.5  22.5 kN.m

M HE  30 kN.m