ABSTRACT
The external envelope or curtain walling is supported by the frame. This form of structure is far lighter than a solid wall building, reducing the load that needs to be carried by the foundation. A structural frame consists of: beams, columns, and bracing. The structure is designed with rigidly connected welded and bolted joints between columns and beams. These joints sustain bending and provide resistance to lateral/horizontal forces. Core structures are designed with a rigid structural core extending the full height of the building. The core is located centrally and the void within it is used to contain lifts and stairs. Structural walls are substituted with steel bracing, which is, in effect, a series of vertical steel trusses. Compound sections are produced by welding together standard sections. Various profiles are possible, which can be designed specifically for extreme situations such as very high loads and long spans, where standard sections alone would be insufficient.
