Computer-Aided Design—Standard Oil of Indiana Building

The structural analysis procedures used to develop an economical design of the exterior stressed skin for the Standard Oil of Indiana building is described. Numerous studies comparing finite element and frame models were performed to determine frame member properties and applicability for a suitable minimum size model. Major members were modeled as frame members considering shear distortion, high bending rigidity within connections, eccentricities of components, and interaction with the floor slabs. A space frame model was developed consisting of 1,856 joints, 3,405 members, and 170 finite elements for large solid plates. The tailoring of a general structural computer system, STRUDL, for the economical solution of this problem is described, as are the parametric analyses of parts of the building for redesign studies. Final analysis after redesign verified satisfaction of stress, deflection, and natural frequency criteria.