The Analysis of Irregular Shaped Structures: Diaphragms and Shear Walls

by Terry R. Malone, Robert W. Rice

A Complete Guide to Solving Lateral Load Path Problems "The Analysis of Irregular Shaped Structures: Diaphragms and Shear Walls" explains how to calculate the forces to be transferred across multiple discontinuities and reflect the design requirements on construction documents. Step-by-step examples offer progressive coverage, from basic to very advanced illustrations of load paths in complicated structures. The book is based on the 2009 International Building Code, ASCE/SEI 7-05, the 2005 Edition of the National Design Specification for Wood Construction, and the 2008 Edition of the Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic (SDPWS-08).

COVERAGE INCLUDES: Code sections and analysis Diaphragm basics Diaphragms with end horizontal offsets Diaphragms with intermediate offsets Diaphragms with openings Open front and cantilever diaphragms Diaphragms with vertical offsets Complex diaphragms with combined openings and offsets Standard shear walls Shear walls with openings Discontinous shear walls Horizontally offset shear walls The portal frame Rigid moment-resisting frame walls--the frame method of analysis

576 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[D.M. Budd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malone and Rice rely on meticulously worked examples to explain each concept in the text. Explanations use visual analysis methods — something that allows the authors to focus on the qualitative explanations rather than the number crunching that can often bog down engineering text. This is a wise choice that makes the design process transparent. Code provisions are mentioned and followed, but the reality is that codified lateral design is often too general for application to irregular structures. A degree of rational analysis is often required to sort out the load path. The authors help build awareness and confidence in order for the reader to develop this rational sense.