A client representing a retail company has asked you to produce a structural analysis report for their planned 8-storey commercial building in Middlesbrough (see Figure 1, page 3). The planned structure requires a minimum floor area of 700m2 for each storey of the building. For a rapid and robust construction, the structural system has already been decided as a moment-resisting structural steel frame with concrete decks. The required height for the ground level is 4.5m and the floor height for the remaining storeys is 3.5m. A regular grid floor layout is suitable for the intended use of the client. In one direction, the structure should have columns spaced at a minimum distance of 8m. The client has an in-house structural engineer who is keen to learn more about the finite element modelling approach that you will be performing to produce the analysis results for the report. You are expected to provide sufficient background information and finite element modelling details to convince the client regarding the validity and reliably of your analysis and report.

In your calculations, you should assume the following loading data:

Super-imposed dead load on the structure = 3.0 kN/m2

Live load on the structure = 3.5 kN/m2

Snow Load = 0.6 kN/m2

 Wind loads:

Windward walls = +0.7 kN/m2

Leeward Walls = -0.3 kN/m2Â

You are required to produce an individual 2000-word report which is expected to include the following aspects:

1. A background of the project including the structural layout of the building. Your opinion regarding the prescribed loads provided above in light of Eurocodes requirements. Include your justification for not considering other lateral loads for the analysis.Â
2. A brief background of the finite element modelling approach used for modelling the proposed structure including selection of element types, analysis types and boundary 4 conditions. You should also discuss any assumptions or limitations associated with your finite element modelling and analysis.
3. Key finite element modelling steps with screen capture to demonstrate a systematic and reliable modelling process. Presented figures need to be clearly annonated.Â
4. Selected analysis results including bending moment, shear force and axial force diagrams of the structure obtained from the finite element analysis. Results for the entire structure and also for selected representative frames should be presented.Â
5. A brief discussion on how the obtained analysis results could have been used for design of different structural elements of the structure. You should demonstrate your understanding of how the analysis results from finite element analysis can be used for design.
6. Simple hand (manual) calculations to demonstrate the reliability of your finite element model.Â
7. Brief discussion on how the modelling of the proposed structure could have changed if reinforced concrete frame was used instead of a steel frame.Â