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Analysis and Design of Two Structures in one STAAD

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MallikarjunG Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 3:40 am Post subject:

SEFI Member

Joined: 26 Oct 2010
Posts: 16
Location: Bangalore
Dear All,
As suggested in my previous post i suggest use ETABS 2013 and later version to handle such
problem.
In these versions of ETABS software has the capabilities of analyzing multiple towers in one model
and get results tower wise viz., Time period, drifts story EQ forces etc etc as if the two structures
are analysed in two different model. Advantage is one can easily visualize the results in one model,
mainly when pounding actions has to be visualized.
Also this option is very much useful when designing the foundations(especially Combined footings)
for columns of two different structures/building as the node number/columns numbers are different
and are in same model and this males its easy to /export to SAFE or any other software .

Last edited by MallikarjunG on Mon Dec 21, 2015 3:44 am; edited 1 time in total

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sudipnc Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 4:20 am Post subject:

SEFI Regulars

STAAD can handle multiple structures in one model. There would just be a warning in the output
file regarding multiple structures - which is intended for the user in case this condition exists
without the intent of the user. However, there are no problems with regard to analysis. If I can
know your exact requirement I can guide you further on this. I do not think reading the frequencies
Joined: 26 Jan 2003 would be difficult.
Posts: 33

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MallikarjunG Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 5:57 am Post subject:

SEFI Member

Deleted post. Will repost

Last edited by MallikarjunG on Wed Dec 23, 2015 2:50 am; edited 2 times in total

Joined: 26 Oct 2010

Posts: 16
Location: Bangalore

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PREETI_SARKAR Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 12:42 pm Post subject:

SEFI Member

My understanding is the following. The stiffness matrix is based on the connectivity between
Joined: 10 Mar 2011 various components of the structure. So, as there is no connectivity between 2 physically
Posts: 12 unconnected structures, there will be no load transfer from the members of one structure to those
of the other. The loads applied on one structure will be resisted by the members of that structure
only. So, any software based on the stiffness method is automatically capable of handling static
analysis.

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12/02/2018 www.sefindia.org :: View topic - Analysis and Design of Two Structures in one STAAD

The stiffness matrix used in the frequency calculation is the same as the one from the static
analysis. So, frequencies, modes and participations factors for the individual structures will be
correct. Base shears will be correct too since those are based on the mode shapes and masses of
each structure. Recall that for any given mode, only one structure will have a non-zero value for
the mode shape. Member forces, joint displacements, plate stresses, etc. will all be right too for the
same reason that base shear shears are right.

However, though the above terms will be correctly calculated, the softwares do not report them in a
user-friendly form. If there are "n" structures, there should be "n" tables of each result -
frequencies, participation factors, base shear, etc. Most programs I know provide only a single
table.

But I think, some hurdles do come up when we do an earthquake analysis.

1) In IS1893, the calculation of base shear is as per section 6.4.2 of the 1893 code. The Sa/g
depends on the fundamental period of the structure which is based on clause 7.6.1. So, if there is
more than 1 structure in the model, the Sa/g used for the individual structures has to be based
their respective fundamental frequency.

2) Equation 7.9.2 of the code describes the design eccentricities to be used in accidental torsion.
one of the components of this equation is bi - floor plan dimension of the floor perpendicular to the
direction of the floor. If there are many structures, each structure will have its own bi. So, the "bi"
used for any structure has to be appropriate to that structure.

So, while most softwares are designed to handle multiple structures for static cases, their ability to
handle the earthquake analysis issues mentioned above need to be clearly spelt out before one
should use them for such situations.

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thirumalaichettiar Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 1:33 pm Post subject:

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Er.Preeti has explained well on this aspect. In order to have continuity it is necessary to link them
together.then there will be one result and one table.
T.RangRajan.

Joined: 26 Jan 2003

Posts: 3459

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shefypattambi Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 6:14 pm Post subject:

SEFI Member

Dear Sefians,
Joined: 23 Sep 2009 I agree with the views expressed by Er. Preethi Sarkar and also I had read from the ETABS
Posts: 13 2013 Analysis manual that although ETABS can handle multiple towers in one file it could not
distribute the auto lateral seismic force accurately between floors if multiple towers are there in
one file. But in ETABS 2015 manual I could not find out the above warning regarding the multiple
tower. However there is some useful information is available from CSI Etabs FAQ website from this
link.:
https://wiki.csiamerica.com/display/etabs/ETABS+Modeling+FAQ

It is mentioned like this :

What should be considered when modeling multiple towers in the same file?Answer: A few notes
which concern the modeling of multiple towers in a single file include:

• Diaphragms – Different diaphragms should be defined and used for each tower.
• Loading – For seismic loading ,do not use a Seismic Auto Lateral Load type , use User defined
seismic loads , perform a Response Spectrum or Time History analysis instead.
• Vertical systems – In terms of height, unbraced length, response, and all other factors, design
of columns and shear walls should proceed as normal.

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AmitD Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 9:56 am Post subject:

SEFI Regulars

I am a member of the technical support group for STAAD.Pro. My answer is in the context of
Joined: 19 Mar 2009 STAAD.Pro only.

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12/02/2018 www.sefindia.org :: View topic - Analysis and Design of Two Structures in one STAAD
Posts: 21

If the model is being analysed for seismic loads and, load generation per the IS1893 code is
performed, then, one should not use models containing multiple structures. The reasons are
explained quite well by Preeti Sarkar in her recent post.
We don't think there will be an error in any other situation if multiple structures are used.
On various seminars that we have conducted throughout India this year, we have made it a point to
mention this.

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