A seminar report on Diagrid Structural System

DISSERTATION

SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE

DEGREE OF

MASTER IN TECHNOLOGY

IN

CIVIL ENGINEERING

WITH SPECIALIZATION IN

Structural Dynamics & Earthquake Engineering

BY

SHASHI KUMAR

DEAPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SILCHAR

2021

DISSERTATION APPROVAL SHEET

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 A

DISSERTATION ENTITLED

A Seminar on Diagrid Structural System

SUBMITTED BY

SHASHI KUMAR

Roll no. 2021215

Examined and found……………………………………………………...for

the award of the degree.
Head of the Department

Department of Civil Engineering

NIT Silchar

DEAPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SILCHAR

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The completion of this research is hereby accomplished by gaining

support of a group of people rather than my individual effort. I wish to
express my sincere gratitude to everyone who assisted me to fulfill this
work.
First and foremost, I am truly indebted and wish to express my
gratitude to my supervisor Mr. Pallab das for his inspiration, excellent
guidance, continuing encouragement and unwavering confidence and
support during every stage of this endeavor without which, it would not
have been possible for me to complete this undertaking successfully. I
also thank him for his insightful comments and suggestions which
continually helped me to improve my understanding.
My whole hearted gratitude to my parents for their constant
encouragement love wishes and support. Above all, I thank Almighty
who bestowed his blessing upon us.
DATE:

PLACE: SILCHAR SHASHI KUMAR

ROLL NO: 2021215

M.TECH (SDEE)

NIT SILCHAR

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 ABSTRACT
Multi‐storey building construction is increasing at an ever increasing rapid pace around the
world. Advancement in the construction technology, structural systems, materials, and
analysis and design software’s expedites the growth of these very buildings. Diagrid
buildings now are emerging as structurally efficient and with architectural significance
assemblies for tall structures. Not long ago has the diagrid structures been extensively used
for the tall buildings due to its efficiency in the structure and aesthetic potential allocated by
the distinctive geometric configuration.

TABLE OF CONTENT
CERTIFICATE……………………………………………………………...…iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS…………………………………………………. iv

ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………v

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 CONTENT
1. INTRODUCTION

2.LITERATURE REVIEW

3.CONCLUSION

4.REFERENCES

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1. Introduction
The rapid growth of urban population and limitation of available land, the taller structures are
preferable now a day. So when the height of structure increases then the consideration of
lateral load is very much important. For that the lateral load resisting system becomes more
important than the structural system that resists the gravitational loads. The lateral load
resisting systems that are widely used are rigid frame, shear wall, wall frame, braced tube
system, outrigger system and tubular system. Recently the diagrid – diagonal grid structural
system is widely used for tall buildings due to its structural efficiency and aesthetic potential
provided by the unique geometric configuration of the system. Hence the diagrid, for
structural effectiveness and aesthetics has generated renewed interest from architectural and
structural designers of tall buildings. The difference between conventional exterior-braced
frame structures and current diagrid structures is that, for diagrid structures, almost all the
conventional vertical columns are eliminated. This is possible because the diagonal members
in diagrid structural systems can carry gravity loads as well as lateral forces owing to their
triangulated configuration, whereas the diagonals in conventional braced frame structures
carry only lateral loads. Compared with conventional framed tubular structures without
diagonals, diagrid structures are much more effective in minimizing shear deformation
because they carry shear by axial action of the diagonal members, while conventional framed
tubular structures carry shear by the bending of the vertical columns. Diagrid structures do
not need high shear rigidity cores because shear can be carried by the diagrids located on the
perimeter. Diagrid has good appearance and it is easily recognized. The configuration and
efficiency of a diagrid system reduce the number of structural element required on the façade
of the buildings, therefore less obstruction to the outside view. The structural efficiency of
diagrid system also helps in avoiding interior and corner columns, therefore allowing
significant flexibility with the floor plan. Perimeter “diagrid” system saves approximately 20
percent structural steel weight when compared to a conventional moment-frame structure.
An early example of the diagrid structure is the IBM Building in Pittsburgh built in the early
1960s, with its 13-storey building height. Another famous examples of diagrid structure all
around the world are the Swiss Re London, Hearst Tower in New York, Capital Gate tower in
Abu Dhabi, Cyclone Tower in Asan (Korea) and new World Trade Centre in New York.

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Concept
The diagrid (a portmanteau of diagonal grid) is a framework of diagonally intersecting metal,
concrete or wooden beams that is used in the construction of buildings and roofs. It requires
less structural steel than a conventional steel frame. Hearst Tower in New York City, designed
by Sir Norman Foster, uses 21 percent less steel than a standard design. The diagrid obviates
the need for columns and can be used to make large column-free expanses of roofing. Another
iconic building designed by Sir Norman Foster, 30 St Mary Axe, known as "The Gherkin", also
uses the diagrid system. The origin of 'diagonal' structures is surely the Russian genius Vladimir
Shukhov. He pioneered new analytical methods in many different fields, and I have been
fortunate to visit some of his constructed projects more than once. Shukhov left a lasting
legacy to early Soviet Russia constructivism, and as the leading engineer and mathematician
during the late 19th and early 20th century he created hyperboloid, thin shell and tensile
structures of extraordinary refinement and elegance.

The distribution of load in diagrid structure is shown below-

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 Benefits
The diagrid system has a lot of benefits that can make it more favored be the designer against
other systems. Some of those benefits are:
• Mostly column free exterior and interior
• Generous amounts of day lighting due to dearth of interior columns and structure
• Roughly 1/5th reduction in steel possible
• Simple construction techniques (although they need to be perfected yet)
• Full exploitation of the structural material
• Similar design/construction tolerances as a typical moment frame construct (for instance: a
type. columnar element would be created 1/8th of an inch longer than called for to allown for
compression in the final product in a M.F. project. The same can be said for a DiaGrid project.)
• Free and clear, unique floor plans are possible
• Aesthetically dominate and expressive

Disadvantages

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Diagrids consist of multiple diagonal elements that are combined to create a diagonal grid. This
space truss is implemented on the face of a structure. Due to the diagonal grid, the structure is more
stable. This concept has been around for a while, but the complex geometry of the connections were
an issue. The double joints that connect the diagonals were difficult and impractical in fabrication
which is why in the 1960s this structural design was not widely used. This structure is mainly
constructed with steel since this material has high resistive properties. There are cases when
reinforced concrete is used as the main lateral load-resisting system yet with concrete you are
limited to an efficient height of only 60 floors, while steel can have an efficient height limit of 100
floors. In addition, another disadvantage of using concrete for the configuration is that it is an
expensive formwork and the construction is slow.

Nodes

Nodes are joints that connects all the members. Typically formed by bolting or welding the ends of
the members to a gusset plate.

When diagrid is to be exposed internally or externally then we have to weld to achieve seamless
connections otherwise bolting can be done easily. Nodes can be designed as hinged or fixed
depending upon condition. In case of concentric load and high diagrid angles hinged support is
enough but when loads is eccentric and diagrid angle is small then we have to provide fixed nodes as
it becomes difficult to erect diagonal beams at nodes.

Diagonal Members

The members that transfer both lateral and gravity loads through axial action. it Can be made of
steel , concrete , timber and composite materials and Usually steel diagonal members are used.

Perimeter Girders or Ring Beams

They comprise of ring structure at the periphery of the building connected at the nodes which are
further connected with the diagrid columns.

It is Extremely important in maintaining the stability of the system and Constrain the shape and act
in a very similar manner to the hoops in the Shukhov towers. In smaller modules, those with heights
tip to tip of the diamond in the range of 2 to 4 floors, the beams are designed in conjunction with
the edges of the floors. For taller modules there may need to be some interaction between the floor
edge beams and the long diagonals, in addition to the dedicated function of the horizontal members
that frame directly into the node. The longer the diagonals the more likely they are to require
additional lateral bracing if the desire is for slenderness. Alternately, if unbraced, the member size
must be substantially increased to provide self-support. This is common if the diagrid is used in
conjunction with a large atrium space where there are no floors to assist with this function.

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TIE Beams

It Transfer load from RC core to Diagrid structures.

Unbalanced forces can be balanced by ring beams and tie beams.

Core

It is to carry gravity loads To break up the span of the floor beams. Can be made of RCC (Canton
Tower in Guangzhou, China) or Steel Columns ( Swiss Re Tower, London).Capital Gate in Abu Dhabi,
UAE designed by RMJM Architects has also used a reinforced concrete core, in this instance
prestressed to counterbalance the 18 degree lean of the tower.

Typical floor plan

Triangular Diagrid Module

A diagrid structure is modelled as a vertical cantilever beam on the ground, and subdivided
longitudinally into modules according to the repetitive diagrid pattern.

• Each Diagrid module is defined by a single level of diagonals that extend over ‘n’ stories.

• The geometry of the single module plays a major role in the internal axial force distribution, as well
as in conferring shear and bending rigidity to the building structure.

• While a module angle equal to 35° ensures the maximum shear rigidity to the diagrid system, the
maximum engagement of diagonal members for bending stiffness corresponds to an angle value of
90°, i.e. vertical columns.

• Vertical columns are almost eliminated and both shear and bending stiffness must be provided by
diagonals, a balance between this two conflicting requirements should be searched for defining the
optimal angle of the diagrid module.

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LITERATURE REVIEW

Saman et al (2018) investigates the seismic behaviour of steel diagrid structures and quantifies its
seismic performance factors including the response modification coefficient, the over-strength factor
and the displacement amplification factor based on the FEMA P695 methodology. A group of 3-D steel
diagrid archetype models with different number of floors and various diagonal angles are designed
using different R-factors. The obtained results indicate that the R-factor for steel diagrid systems
depend on the diagonal angles. For diagrids with angles of 45°, 63.4° and 1.5°, amounts of R-factor
were determined as 1.5, 2, and 3, respectively. Moreover, the pin and rigid types of end-connection
of diagrid perimeter beam was found to have no effects on stiffness of the diagrid models.

Esmaeel et al (2018) presented a comprehensive investigation into the nonlinear performance of steel
diagrid structures using static, time-history dynamic and incremental dynamic analyses. A framework
for seismic performance assessment and loss estimation of steel diagrid buildings is developed.

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Illustrative and quantitative criteria for performance and damage assessment of diagrid frames are
introduced and employed to estimate the seismic loss of archetype diagrid buildings. The diagrids are
found to have a substantial collapse capacity and lateral stiffness. In addition, they show significant
over strength in nonlinear static and time-history analyses.

Mohammedreza et al (2018) analysed a commercial steel building with 20 stories, frames with
conventional, mega-scale and buckling-restrained braces were analyzed. Linear and modal push-over
analyses were carried out. The computer program SAP 2000 version 14 was used for the analyses. The
results show that mega-scale bracing system has significant superiority over the conventional bracing
and more economic. Some other advantages were less drift ratio and better performance in lateral
displacement.

Minu et al (2018) compared the performance of CFST and steel diagrid buildings using linear static
analysis. An alternate material for diagrid is concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) is used. In CFST, the
inward buckling of the steel tube is effectively prevented by the filled concrete. The analysis of 12
storey CFST diagrid building is carried out using ETABS and performance is compared with hollow steel
diagrid building. It is found that the time period, storey displacement and inter-storey drift of CFST
diagrid building is lower than hollow steel diagrid building.

Khushbu et al (2013) did an analysis of diagrid steel and comparison of analysis results in terms of
time period, top storey displacement and inter-storey drift is done. A 36-storey diagrid steel building
of regular floor plan of 36 m × 36 m size is considered. ETABS software is used for modelling and
analysis of structural members. Structural members are designed as per IS 800:2007 considering all
load combinations. Load distribution in diagrid system is studied for 36 storey building. Similarly,
analysis and design of 50, 60, 70 and 80 storey diagrid structures is carried out. Comparison of analysis
results is presented in this paper and it is observed that most of the lateral load is resisted by diagrid
columns on the periphery, while gravity load is resisted by both the internal columns and peripheral
diagonal columns which make system more effective

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Kyoung‐Sun et al (2011) studied the behaviour diagrid structural system for tall buildings and their
characteristics and methodology for preliminary design. They concluded at the end for optimal angles
for 60‐storey diagrid structures, which briefly described below. In this study two different diagrid
structural schemes are examined. Scheme 1 includes the use of four vertical corner columns; and
scheme 2 has no vertical corner columns. The same set of seven different diagrid angles is considered
for both schemes, results in 14 different building structures. From calculation results, it is indicated
that 70° diagrid angle gives best result for shear rigidity and bending rigidity.

Hendramawat et al (2013) evaluate the possible improvement of seismic performance of existing

reinforced concrete building (the 5th Building of UNS Engineering Faculty) by the use of steel bracing.
Three methods of seismic evaluation are employed for the purpose of the study i.e. Nonlinear Static
Pushover Displacement Coefficient Method as described in FEMA 356, Improvement of Nonlinear
Static Pushover Displacement Coefficient Method as described in FEMA 440 and dynamic time history
analysis following the Indonesian Code of Seismic Resistance Building (SNI 03-1726-2002) criteria.

Varsani et al (2015) Analysis of diagrid structural system and conventional structural system for 24
storey building is presented here. A regular floor plan of 36 m × 36 m size is considered for both
structures. ETABS software is used for modelling and analysis of structural members. All structural
members are considered as per IS 800:2007 considering all load combinations. Dynamic along wind
and across wind are considered for analysis of the structure. Similarly, analysis of 36, 48 and 60 storey
diagrid structures is carried out. Comparison of analysis results in terms of time period, storey
displacement, storey shear and storey drift with conventional building is presented in this paper.

Moon et al (2007) presents a simple methodology for determining preliminary member sizes. The
methodology is applied to a set of building heights ranging from 20 to 60 stories, and parameters for
the optimal values of the grid geometry are generated for representative design loadings. These values
are shown to be useful for architects and engineers as guidelines for preliminary design.

Elena et al (2014) in this paper, the peculiarities of diagrid systems are described: starting from the
analysis of the internal forces arising in the single diagrid module due to vertical and horizontal loads,
the resisting mechanism of diagrid buildings under gravity and wind loads is described, and recent
researches and studies dealing with the effect of geometry on the structural behaviour are discussed.
Also, a comparative analysis of the structural performance of some recent diagrid tall buildings,

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characterized by different number of stories and different geometries, namely the Swiss Re building
in London, the Hearst Headquarters in New York and the West Tower in Guangzhou, is carried out,
and some general design remarks are derived.

Conclusion

One of the best structural system for high rise buildings especially irregular shaped (tilted, twisted,
freeform etc.) The majority of the published research has been conducted within the University setting
and has focused primarily on idealized optimization, leaving the applied realities of the practicing
professionals, hidden or internalized. Using Diagrid we can built skyscrapers even without inner core
providing vast floor area. The Leaden hall Building in London is the first skyscraper without a bearing
inner core thanks to diagrid structural system. Diagrids help in sustainable development as amount of
construction material required is less and energy is saved due to less obstruction to incoming light at
the periphery of building. The diagrid Structures are aesthetically dominant. They report that the
optimal diagonal angle for high-rise diagrid buildings with 36 to 60-story is in the range of 55° to
75°.Milana et al. (2015) compare 40-story steel diagrids with conventional tubular structure and
outriggers. They report an overall performance improvement in terms of strength, stiffness, and
ductility once diagrids are used.

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