Technical Guidance Note (Level 1, No. 10): Principles of lateral stability

This note shows how to size elements, prior to detailed design. This process allows the engineer to gain an appreciation of structural form.

This note is an introduction to the assessment of floor vibrations – a frequently overlooked aspect of the design process. Floor vibrations can lead to expensive remedial works, as occupants complain of discomfort due to excessive movement.

Moment distribution is a method by which statically indeterminate structures are analysed elastically. It is based on the relative stiffness of elements, and shifts bending moments from one section of the structure to another until they become balanced. Once this balance has been achieved, forces and bending moments are modelled.