Application of symbolic computing in analysis of modal properties of structurally coupled twin tall buildings
Date
2011
Authors
Richards, Eric Lee, author
Bienkiewicz, Bogusz, advisor
Criswell, Marvin E., committee member
Shuler, Scott, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Abstract
This thesis develops non-dimensionalized symbolic expressions for the normalized natural frequencies of two identical tall buildings structurally connected by a skybridge. Symbolic expressions for the modal shapes are also developed to express the coupled movements of the two buildings. The mass and stiffness of the two tall buildings are generalized and reduced to the skybridge level, and the equations of motion are evaluated with Maple 13 math and engineering software. A parametric study of the effects of coupling stiffness on the modal properties is carried out using formulas resulting from symbolic computing. The obtained symbolic expressions are compared with the results of numerical analysis performed using Risa-3D structural engineering analysis software. Findings of this thesis show a good agreement between the symbolic expressions and Risa-3D results. The developed symbolic equations are proposed as a tool for use in the preliminary analysis of tall buildings connected by a skybridge.