Foundations for Low-Rise Buildings

Research abstracts The Structural Engineer has published abstracts of completed PhD theses from time to time in the past. In future these will appear on the ‘Research matters’ page. Anyone wishing to submit an abstract for consideration for publication should contact Dr Susan Doran, at the Institution, who will be pleased to supply further details.

Structural engineering has been a vital part of the research programme at the Building Research Establishment throughout its 75-year life. The underlying aim has been to interpret engineering science for practical use in building construction, bringing the science to the point where designers can use it to ensure safety, serviceability and economy in structures. G.S.T. Armer and P.S.J. Buller

This paper is concerned with the dynamic behaviour of an eight-storey steel-framed building. The building construction was undertaken in discrete stages, five of which are described. At each stage the natural frequencies of the building were measured using a laser system. A comprehensive forced vibration test was also performed when the building was complete to determine all of the characteristics of the fundamental modes of vibration. Both types of test are described, and the results that were obtained are presented. In parallel with the dynamic tests, numerical modelling has been conducted at each stage. The finite element model is described, and the main calculated results are presented. The measurements and calculations are then compared to provide a better understanding of the building behaviour and to identify where the numerical model needs to be improved. Finally, the benefits from the combined experimental and numerical studies are discussed. B.R. Ellis and T. Ji