TALL BUILDING STRUCTURES

VCB4523
Group Assignment 1

NAME

ID

MBIKOYESU MOSES POULINO

20488

NG HENG YOUNG

18860

ACACIO SALVADOR MAMBO

16589

ERNEST HO ZHAN SHIONG

17145

Introduction
The widespread availability of powerful computers and sophisticated programs makes it
possible to analyse even very large and complex structures with relatively little effort. This is
very welcome. There is, however, a certain degree of danger that the structural engineer, in
accepting the help of the computer, may get carried away and rely on the computer to a
greater extent that would be desirable and pay less attention to the behaviour of the structure.
It may be tempting to become complacent.
If the structural engineers knowledge about the behaviour of complex structures is
limited, then the temptation is even greater to accept the computers solution to the structural
engineering problem that has been fed to the computer. This is where the Theory of structures
can be helpful. The continuum model of the multi storey building is used repeatedly. The
continuous medium approach makes it possible to handle complex structural engineering
problems in a relatively simple way and to identify the key stiffness and geometrical
characteristics that have a dominant role in shaping the behaviour of the structure.
However, without any computers, an engineer will consume too much time analysing
and designing the structure. In economic term, a project design should be done within the
limited time frame, but without the computer help, an engineer might have disadvantages,
especially designing tall building structures. So there will be need of interrelation between the
software and also the knowledge of an engineer. With an engineer having knowledge about
the behaviour of complex structures, and with the assistance of computer technology, the
work will be done not only with precision and accuracy, but also saving cost and time.
The most used numerical technique for the analysis of structures used by software and
manual calculations are finite element method (FEM). The finite element method (FEM)
is a numerical technique for finding approximate solutions to boundary value
problems for partial differential equations. It is also referred to as finite element
analysis (FEA). FEM subdivides a large problem into smaller, simpler, parts, called finite
elements. The simple equations that model these finite elements are then assembled into a

larger system of equations that models the entire problem. FEM then uses variation
methods from the calculus of variations to approximate a solution by minimizing an
associated error function.
In this project, the software ETABS will be utilize.
Overview:
The innovative and revolutionary new ETABS is the ultimate integrated software package for
the structural analysis and design of buildings. Incorporating 40 years of continuous research
and development, this latest ETABS offers unmatched 3D object based modelling and
visualization tools, blazingly fast linear and nonlinear analytical power, sophisticated and
comprehensive design capabilities for a wide-range of materials, and insightful graphic
displays, reports, and schematic drawings that allow users to quickly and easily decipher and
understand analysis and design results.
From the start of design conception through the production of schematic drawings,
ETABS integrates every aspect of the engineering design process. Creation models have
never been easier- intuitive drawing commands allow for the rapid generation of floor and
elevation framing. CAD drawings can be converted directly into ETABS models or used as
templates onto which ETABS objects may be overlaid. The state-of-the art SAPFire 64-bit
solver allows extremely large and complex models to be rapidly analysed, and supports
nonlinear modelling techniques such as construction sequencing and time effects (e.g., creep
and shrinkage).
Design of steel and concrete frames (with automated optimization), composite beams,
composite columns, steel joists, and concrete and masonry shear walls is included, as is the
capacity check for steel connections and base plates. Models may be realistically rendered,
and all results can be shown directly on the structure. Comprehensive and customizable
reports are available for all analysis and design output, and schematic construction drawings
of framing plans, schedules, details and cross-sections may be generated for concrete and
steel structures.
ETABS provides an unequalled suite of tools for structural engineers designing
buildings, whether they are working on one-story industrial structures or the tallest
commercial high-rises. Immensely capable, yet easy-to-use, has been the hallmark of ETABS

since its introduction decades ago, and this latest release continues that tradition by providing
engineers with the technologically-advanced, yet intuitive, software they required to be their
most productive.

Objective
The objective of this project is to encourage the usage of the software ETABS for our
analyzation of our tall building structures. We are also tasked to compare the error and
differences between the software and also manual calculation of the tall building structures.
Our team was tasked to do Assignment 7.1 and 7.2, where 7.1 we are required to
obtain the maximum deflection of the structure, while 7.2 we were tasked to obtain the
natural frequency of the structure. We are to explain the steps needed to obtain the results.
It is important to relate software to manual calculation, because:
1. The formulas for manual calculation are already stable after going through centuries
of analyzation and studying.
2. If the software could produce results similar to the manual calculation, we could
always make use of the software.
3. Software will be able to produce a much faster and accurate results.
4. This will save a lot of time and effort, and more complex problems will be solved
quickly.
For this project, we have decided to use some of the variables here, which are:
Manipulating variables: Storey Height of 3m, 3.2m, 3.5m, 3.8m and 4.0m where m= meters
Number of Bays of 1 bays, 2 bays, 3 bays, 4 bays and 5 bays
Number of storeys of 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 storeys.

Responding variables: The maximum deflection and natural frequency

Constant variables:

Column and beam dimension for maximum deflection will be 0.4m /

0.4m and 0.4m/ 0.7m for width and depth respectively.

Column and beam dimension for natural deflection will be 0.4m/
0.7m and 0.4m / 0.4m for width and depth respectively.

Young modulus (E) will be

Group Assignment 7.1

35 106

kN
2
m

Step 1:

The ETABs Program is started up and then the New Model Icon is selected to initiate
the Model Initialization Tab.

In this Tab the basic structure Coding in which the structure is based off is selected.
Since we are using the Eurocodes, hence we select Eurocodes.

Step 2:

In this stage, we select the templates in which our design will take place in.

Step 3:

Now, based on a pre-designed program template, we add our 2d Structure to be

analysed.

Step 4:

In step 4, we edit the template providing it with the most basic of design info such as
the no. of bays, and also the joint restraints at the bottom.

Aside from that, the material properties for the later part is also defined in this section
for easy modification later on. The beams and columns are assigned as material
defined: ConcBeam and ConcCol respectively.

Step 5:

The after product is as seen above.

In this step. We define the properties of the materials to assigned later on. A new
material is added and given the preferred properties by the designer.

Stage 6:

Here, we are given a list of properties that can be defined and modified based on our
preference. The items to be modified in our case is the Name (for personal reasons),
the concrete grade (previous slide) and also the Modulus of Elasticity (E).

Here we define the material properties for our beams.

Stage 7:

Same as step 6, only this time, we define the material properties for the beam instead
of the column.

Stage 8:

In this part of the analysis, we define the section, in this case the beam. We provide it
with the specified material as stated in Stage 6, and also provide the dimensions
accordingly based on the task.

Stage 9:

Similar to Stage 8, we do the same for the Columns but for its very own set of
dimensions and also material specs.

Stage 10:

Finally, we reach the part where we assign the material properties to the sections.

We select the section and then click apply for all the properties, dimensions, material
characteristics to be integrated into our structure.

Stage 11:

Above is how the assigned sections should look like.

In order to remove the assign figures on each section. We can click on view and hide
assign figures.

Stage 12:

Now for the load defining section, since the model is a simple idealized 2d frame, we
place all live loads as 0 factorial and we choose to add a newly defined load in which
will act as our wind load later.

Stage 13:

Here we will assign the load on the selected sections (can be seen with an X).

Since the load we want is distributed, we select that.

Stage 14:

Before applying it, we are prompted to choose the load in which we will simulate, the
particulars are filled up, such as the load case we want to test, the applied load and
also other factors such as direction and so on.

Stage 15:

Above is the load acting on the structure, after application.

Stage 16:

Now in order to analyse our chosen case, which is the wind load we must select
display and the programme will prompt the user to choose which load case will be
displayed. Select and fill in the necessary.

Since we want to see the wind load, we choose that.

Stage 17:

And here we have it, complete together with the Max Deflection and Min Deflection.

The same steps are used for the manipulative variable of:
Storey Height of 3m, 3.2m, 3.5m, 3.8m and 4.0m where m= meters
Number of Bays of 1 bays, 2 bays, 3 bays, 4 bays and 5 bays
Number of storeys of 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 storeys.
Storey Height
Previously, we have perimeters of
Height: 3m
Number of bays: 3 bays
Number of storeys: 34
For this iteration, we will be using,
Storey height: 3.2m
Number of bays: 3 bays
Number of storeys: 34
The perimeters that we will keep constant are:
Column and beam dimension for maximum deflection will be 0.4m / 0.4m and 0.4m/ 0.7m
for width and depth respectively.

Young modulus (E) will be

35 106

kN
2
m

By utilizing the same steps, we will be able to reach our desired

answer.

Group Assignment 2

Step 1:

As from the assignment before, a Tab regarding basic structure coding appeared. The
code we utilize is EUROCODE 3 for Steel design, and EUROCODE 2 for Concrete
Design. Display unit will be in Metric SI system while Steel section database is based
on Euro standard.

Step 2:

This stage is where the design take place. For this question the building will be 40
stories high, with each stories of 3m height. There will be only two-bay for this
framework.

Step 3:

Now, based on a pre-designed program template, we add our 2d Structure to be

analysed.

Step 4:

No. of bays and some other details can be alter here.

The same type of materials are used, which are concrete columns and concrete beams

Step 5:

Materials properties will be defined for our case study.

New materials are added for this particular framework, the details will be explained at
step 6.

Step 6:

Step 7:

The properties of the concrete beams and columns are added here.
As the same as before, the Modulus of Elasticity, E is 35000MPa.
This applies as well to the material properties of columns.

Step 8:

For the frame properties, we will set each different details for the beams and columns.

Step 9:

For each details of the framework properties, we need to set up dimensions for the
beams and columns. For this framework, the beams are set as 400mm * 400mm and
columns are set as 400mm * 700mm, with the first value being the depth and second
value being the width.

Mass source data determines the mass imposed onto the building.
Lateral Mass and Vertical Mass is included.

Step 10

Mass are needed to be assigned, and the structure is subjected to a mass of 0.8495
kg/m.

Step 11

Model Checking will be required to determine the presence of error.

Step 12:

Analysis will be run to determine the frequency for the framework

Step 13:

Mode case will be chosen in order to determine our required results.

RESULTS:

With period, T=1.837s, the natural frequency f=1/T, we arrived at the value of 0.544. And
with the manually calculated value of 0.592, we obtained an error of 7%.