Effective evaluation of shear wall-frame interaction system for high-rise buildings under wind load using Etabs

Abstract

The effectiveness of shear walls in resisting lateral loads in high-rise buildings has long been recognized, while flat slab systems are also widely used in reinforced concrete structures of office and residential buildings. Flat slabs provide a continuous floor surface, reduce floor-to-floor height, facilitate architectural and MEP layout, reduce concrete and steel quantities, and increase flexibility in usage. This study effective evaluation of two structural systems flat slab frames and flat slab frames with shear walls in resisting wind-induced lateral loads on a 45-story building in Vietnam using ETABS software. The results show that shear forces are concentrated at the lower levels of the walls and decrease with height, whereas frame shear forces increase with height, reflecting the primary role of the walls and the supporting role of the frame. The frame–shear wall system reduces roof displacement and inter-story drift, distributes drift uniformly along the height, mitigates soft story effects, and ensures overall stability. The interaction mechanism between the shear walls and the frame involves the walls carrying the majority of lateral loads, enhancing stiffness, while the frame distributes and balances internal forces, ensuring compatibility between structural components. This structural solution is effective for 40–50-story buildings in low- and medium-wind regions, ensuring safety and stability, while also being compatible with local climate conditions and functional requirements.