Drift optimization of high‐rise buildings in earthquake zones

This paper presents a Drift Design Structural Model (DDSM) for the design optimization of high‐rise buildings in seismic zones. The model is formulated as a Generalized Single Degree of Freedom System subjected to equivalent static seismic loadings. The model objectives are: (a) the minimization of the structure weight; (b) the minimization of the structure top drift; and (c) the uniform distribution of the inter‐story drifts over the building height in order to minimize earthquake damage through the increase in plastic ductility. Seven high‐rise buildings were analysed in order to validate the model, to illustrate its use and to demonstrate its capabilities in structural design optimization in earthquake zones. The results obtained show that the DDSM performed well and consequently can be of practical value to structural designers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.