Influence of Geometrical Configuration on the Dynamic Response of 5-Story Diagrid Structures

Abstract

The angle of the perimeter grid is the property that determines the behavior of diagrid (DG) structures. This study compares 30 different DG models using different perimeter grid arrangements and different floor-to-floor dimensions, considering their dynamic properties to observe the behavior of each model under a modal-spectral analysis, using ETABS software. For this purpose, three different floor-to-floor distances were determined for five-story DG structures, and all possible module sizes were analyzed for each floor-to-floor configuration. The results show a variation of up to 80% in the weight of the DG when varying the angle of the perimeter grid elements and around 93% in interstory drift values. A 5-story DG performs better with single-floor modules regardless of their slope, because there are models with the same perimeter grid slope but different behaviors. Consequently, it is important to consider the geometry of the mezzanines as well as the density of diagonals in the perimeter grid. This study contributes to a better understanding of the behavior of medium-height DG under seismic loads, highlighting the importance of considering the distribution of structural elements that provide lateral stiffness.