Systematic Design of Multistory Buildings

This paper presents a set of concepts to systematize the structural design of tall buildings: (1) the decomposition of the structural system into subsystems; (2) the identification of key overall characteristics of these subsystems; (3) the use of these key parameters to analyze the systems; and (4) the manipulation of these parameters to optimize the system design. These four concepts may be used separately or in combination to simplify and systematize the design of multistory structures. They are approximate techniques and are intended for the selection of structural form and as a guide for more detailed design. A fifth concept concerns the use of a criterion for the initial selection of structural form. This provides a starting point for the analysis and manipulation of the preceding.