Abstract

A new simplified model for analysis and design of multistorey buildings is developed. The model is based on a single super‐element per building storey capable of representing the elastic and inelastic properties of the storey. This is done by matching the stiffness matrices and ultimate yield surface of the storey with that of the element; this surface relates storey shear and storey torque. For practical convenience, these surfaces are parametrized in terms of seven important physical parameters controlling the seismic response of asymmetric structures. Several numerical studies showed that the accuracy of the super‐element model is satisfactory for most design purposes; the errors in peak responses are expected to be less than 20 per cent for most practical structures. Among the important advantages of this simplified model is that the time required in formulating, analysing and interpreting the structural model and its response is at least an order of magnitude smaller than for any conventional 3‐D inelastic model. This enables the engineer to try different structural configurations and, thus, produce designs that have the desired seismic behaviour and are cost‐effective. Furthermore, it has been shown through a multistorey building example that the super‐element model is a powerful tool for conceptual design of a building. In spite of its simplicity, the model uses an accurate representation of the storey‐shear and torque surfaces, which enables it to capture the fundamental features controlling the inelastic behaviour of the building.