1 Introduction

1.1 Background
The process of designing high-rise buildings have changed over the past years. In
the most recent years it is not unusual to model full three-dimensional finite element
models of the buildings. This due to the increased computational power and more
advanced software. However, these models produce huge amount of data and results
where possible errors are easily overlooked, especially if the model is big and complex.
If the engineer is not careful and have a lack of knowledge of structural behaviour and
finite element modelling, it is easy to just accept the results without critical thoughts.
Furthermore, different ways of modelling have a big influence on the force and stress
distribution. This can lead to time consuming discussion and disagreements between
engineers as they often have different results from calculations on the same building.

Sweco AB were interested in initiating a Master’s thesis that investigated different

ways of modelling and how they affect the outcome. The Division of Structural
Mechanics at Lund University were interested in a similar Master’s thesis were the
dynamics of high-rise buildings were to be analysed. Furthermore, investigations of
how well analytical calculations by hand according to standards, codes and regula-
tions of accelerations and resonance frequencies correspond to the results of large
finite element models were to be conducted.

1.2 Objectives, aims and method

The objectives of this Master’s thesis are to analyse different methods, codes and
guidelines used when performing calculations on high-rise buildings in regards to
deflections, resonance frequencies, accelerations and stability. The results from these
methods are then compared with results from finite element models in order to
evaluate differences and verify the methods and models.

The aims of the thesis are to provide insight on how different ways of modelling
buildings in finite element programs affect the results. This is especially investigated
when comparing vertical and horizontal loading with different modelling techniques
and how the shear flow can be determined with a model using plate elements in a
mesh compared to calculating it from the shear force in a model with wall elements.
Furthermore, the accuracy of analytical calculations made by hand in comparison