Stress Distribution in Front Columns of High‐Rise Buildings

Abstract

A method employing harmonic analysis is presented that enables the quick and convenient evaluation of stress distribution in columns and connecting beams of wide high‐rise buildings subjected to lateral loads. The method idealizes the front of the building as a system of axial load‐carrying column members and shear‐carrying segments. The segment represents the flexural properties of horizontal connecting beams distributed, or smeared, over the story heights. The method is intended for use as a design tool, and can allow for different structural arrangements. Results of numerical calculations are presented to illustrate the influence of various parameters. Various stress distributions are discussed, including those corresponding to the negative shear lag. A suitable computer program, which is very easy to handle, is included in Appendix I for added convenience.