ABSTRACT
Structural stability is a subject which sets the design of precast concrete framed structures apart from other types of multistorey buildings by the need to satisfy the lateral and vertical strength, stiffness, ductility and robustness of entire frame using discrete structural elements and connections. The design assumption is that the bracing will always resist diagonal forces in compression rather than tension - exception to this rule being steel cross bracing where the tension leg is effective. Under the reverse and cyclical action of such as wind loading, the diagonal compressive strut changes direction, and so different parts of bracing are subjected to alternating compression and tension as the direction of the wind changes. The design for axial forces and in-plane moments has, for deep cantilever walls with numerous uniformly spread reinforcing bars, been carried out for the full ultimate capacity assuming yielding of all bars in the tension zone and ignoring compressive forces in the bars in the compression zone.
