Building structural system design

In this chapter, we review the requirements for the use of various structural materials and systems and we especially review their appropriateness for various building programmes. Most of the information in this chapter is contained in two tables in this chapter. Table 11.1 summarises the recommended choices of a lateral-force-resisting system, designed according to the rules in Chapter 10. A large matrix, Table 11.2, summarises the detailed recommendations that are given in the written part of the chapter. The appropriateness of a material for a given occupancy depends on a number of factors: the spans that are convenient for a given material, the limitations imposed by building codes, programmatic requirements for the building occupancy, and how much the building is expected to be subdivided. As a result of these factors, some materials and systems may be preferred for the construction of a building with a given occupancy. The considerations in these system choices are discussed in the remainder of this chapter.