Approximate analysis of symmetrical structures consisting of different types of bents

An approximate analysis is presented for calculating the deflections of individual cantilever bents, under lateral loading, as a sum of deflections of two complementary subsystems: a flexural and a shear-flexure subsystem. The analysis accounts for axial deformations in the vertical members of bents, since it is based on the continuum approach as is used in the coupled wall theory, and is also applicable to other types of cantilever bents used in concrete structures, such as rigid frames and wall frame assemblies. The fact that the deflection equation of a cantilever bent may be decomposed into two components makes possible the development of an approximate method for estimating the deflections of uniform plan-symmetrical buildings composed of different structural bents. The method provides a rapid estimate of deflections and load distribution in such multi-bent structures and therefore it is appropriate for preliminary structural design. At this stage, it is desirable for the practising engineer to have a quick estimate of the maximum response, even if the actual sizes of the structural elements are not yet known and only assumptions can be made about the relative stiffnesses of the major structural elements. The proposed analysis, as based on distributed parameter formulations, has the advantage of providing a deep insight into the structural behaviour of high-rise structures. Its accuracy is evaluated by comparing the approximate results with those obtained by stiffness matrix analyses. Copyright (C) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.