Seismic Behaviour of Steel Staggered Truss in Building

In this study staggered-truss system (STS) is studied for structural steel framing for the multi-story and high-rise buildings. The staggered-truss systems (STS) consists of a series of story-high trusses spanning the total width between two rows of external columns and arranged in a staggered pattern on adjacent column lines. The system is known to be appropriate for use in residential buildings such as apartments, dormitory and hotels. The columns are located only on the external faces of the building. The large clear span and open areas can be created. The interaction of the floors, trusses, and columns makes the structure perform as a single unit, there by taking maximum advantage of the strength and rigidity of all the components simultaneously. Each component performs its particular function, totally dependent upon the others for its performance. These column free areas can be utilized for ballrooms, concourses and other large areas. The one added benefit of the staggered-truss framing system is that it is highly efficient for resistance to the lateral loading caused by wind and earthquake. The stiffness of the STS provides the desired drift control for wind and earthquake loadings. The staggered-truss framing system is one of the quickest available methods to use during winter construction. The floor system not only carries the direct vertical loads. In addition, It has to act as a diaphragm to transfer the horizontal shear forces between stories through truss diagonals. Because of this double use concept this system results in a lighter structure and provides more column-free space than a conventional beam-column framed structure.