Lateral resisting systems

Many design teams want to implement a lateral force resisting system that is
both performance-based and cost effective. Each lateral resisting system has its
own advantages and disadvantages for each specific design and environmental
conditions. We will explore these different types.
Moment resisting system
Source: http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/

Moment resisting frames are made up of beams and columns that resist lateral loads through
flexure of members and through stiffness of rigid joints connecting the beams and columns.
Advantages

Provides

flexibility for

architectural design and layout

Disadvantages

Produces greater deflection and drift compared to that of braced frames or shear walls

Produces localized stress concentrations at rigid joints

Requires care in erection of connections in order to resist lateral loads properly

Expensive moment connections

Braced frames

Source: www.tboake.com

Braced frames resist loads through a series of trusses made of steel members. The diagonal
members of the trusses resist lateral loads in the form of axial stresses, either by tension or
compression.
Advantages

Can be located internally or externally for flexibility of architectural design

Accommodates service penetrations

Can be located within partition walls

No need for moment connections

Disadvantages

Produces problems for layout of windows and doors due to obstruction of bracings

Requires fireproofing materials for steel members so that takes up space

Need for large gusset plates for connections between beams and columns

Shear walls

Source: www.architectural-tech.blogspot.com

Shear walls also provide resistance to lateral forces by cantilever action through shear and
bending. The slab connected to the shear wall must function as a horizontal diaphragm. Also,
shear walls need to be placed symmetrically in both directions to the plane of loading so that no
torsional effect would be produced.
Advantages

Cost efficient since only a few shear walls are required

Have large stiffness and strength for resistance

Can provide torsional resistance to structure if placed in a symmetrical layout

Can be used as fire compartment walls, stairs, or lift shafts

Will not obstruct architectural layout

Disadvantages

Decrease in stiffness and strength when there are openings

Produce concentrated stress in the walls since the walls support the whole buildings
lateral stability

Produce large effects of overturning on shear walls

Creates large bearing pressure for foundations due to self-weight of walls