ABSTRACT
In high-rise buildings, it is important to ensure adequate stiffness to resist lateral forces induced by wind, or seismic or blast effects. These forces can develop high stresses, and produce sway movement or vibration, thereby causing discomfort to the occupants. Concrete walls, which have high in-plane stiffness, placed at convenient locations, are often economically used to provide the necessary resistance to horizontal forces. This type of wall is called a shear wall. A major simplification of the problem is achieved if the analysis can be limited to a plane structure composed of shear walls and frames subjected to horizontal forces in their plane. The analysis of the general case as a three-dimensional structure represents a complex problem, and further assumptions are usually made in order to produce an analysis at a reasonable cost and in moderate time. A relatively simple analysis of a three-dimensional structure is possible when it is composed of frames with or without walls.
