A Simplified P-Delta Second Order Numerical Analysis of High Rise Buildings: Formulation and Validation

Abstract

In this paper, a simplified numerical method of global and local second order P-Delta 2D and 3D analysis of tall buildings subjected to vertical and horizontal loads is presented. The method was based on developing the moment transformation (MT) and the moment-force transformation (MFT) methods those are formulated using the moment distribution methods and have been successfully used in linear analysis of tall buildings neglecting and/or taking into account axial deformation in vertical members. The method was developed to include second order effects, by coupling the axial force and the bending moments in each of the vertical members with large lateral displacements at floor levels. Validity of the method was established by comparing the results of two 2D and 3D problems with those resulted from a reliable finite element approach. The comparisons show that, the results are in good agreement thus verifying the accuracy of the proposed method.