STRUCTURAL OPTION
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The first technical assignment describes all existing conditions as they pertain to the structure. All loads - gravity, wind, seismic, and snow were calculated and compared with the design loads. In addition, several spot checks were performed to verify accuracy of the calculated loads and as a practical exercise in simplified analyses.
The second technical assignment focuses on preliminary floor system designs and includes a thorough evaluation of three potentially feasible alternatives, and the original design. Criterion for this evaluation include structural implications, cost, constructability, durability, servicability, fire protection, as well as architectural compatibility. Comparisons are made based on a gravity load analysis. Those systems which appear to be viable solutions will be studied further as part of future research and assignments.
The third technical assignment is an analysis of the lateral force resisting systems. A comprehensive analysis of controlling lateral loads and their distributions based on relative stiffness is included. ETABS was used to augment the analysis and provided a check for hand calculations and visa versa. This report also looks at serviceability issues like drift and overall building deflections.