Steel Buildings in Europe

Part 1: Architect’s Guide 1 - 20 1 2 3 4 Key: - see text Figure 4.11 Planes of stability for a rectangular building The vertical stability (A and C in the Figure) can be provided by any of the four systems: 1 Cross-bracing (simple construction) 2 Frame effect 3 Diaphragm effect (contribution of the cladding) 4 Concrete wall. The horizontal stability (B and D in Figure 4.11) is generally ensured either by the diaphragm effect in concrete floors or by a cross-bracing. Horizontal stability systems must be appropriately connected to vertical stability systems in order to transfer the forces to the foundations. Wind action is the main horizontal action in multi-storey buildings. In seismic areas, horizontal actions due to earthquakes have to be considered. 4.2.2 Braced structure option Multi-storey buildings are generally designed with pinned members. Vertical stability is commonly provided by cross-bracing, and sometimes by a concrete core. The advantages of such a design are:  Simple connections  Quick erection  Reduced fabrication costs. The cross-bracing can be either inside or outside the building, depending on architectural preference. An example of bracing as an architectural feature is shown in Figure 4.12.

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