Thesis (MScEng (Civil Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In regions of moderate seismicity it has been shown that a suitable structural system is created when designing the shear wall with a plastic hinge zone at the lower part of the wall, with the shear walls resisting lateral loads and all other structural elements designed to resist gravity loads. A suitably stiff foundation is required for the assumption of plastic hinge zones to hold true. This foundation should have limited rotation and should remain elastic when lateral loads are applied to the structure. Ensuring a foundation with a greater capacity than the shear wall results in excessively large shear wall foundations being required in areas of moderate seismicity for buildings with no basement level. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of reducing the size of shear wall foundations in areas of moderate seismicity for buildings with no basement level. The investigation is aimed at allowing shear wall foundation rocking and taking into account the contribution of structural frames to the lateral stiffness of the structure. An example building was chosen to investigate this possibility. Firstly, lateral force-displacement capacities were determined for a shear wall and an internal reinforced concrete frame of this investigated building. Nonlinear momentrotation behaviour was determined for the wall foundation size that would traditionally be required as well as for six other smaller foundations. The above capacity curves against lateral loads were then used to compile a simplified model of the structural systems assumed to contribute to the lateral stiffness of the building. This simplified model therefore combined the effect of the shear wall, internal frame and wall foundation. Nonlinear time-history analyses were performed on this simplified model to investigate the dynamic response of the structure with different wall foundation sizes. By assessing response results on a global and local scale, it was observed that significantly smaller shear wall foundations are possible when allowing foundation rocking and taking into account the contribution of other structural elements to the lateral stiffness of the building. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Daar is reeds getoon dat ʼn voldoende strukturele sisteem verkry word in gebiede van gematigde seismiese risiko indien ʼn skuifmuur ontwerp word met ʼn plastiese skarnier sone naby die ondersteuning van die muur. Skuifmure word dan ontwerp om weerstand te bied teen laterale kragte met alle ander strukturele elemente ontwerp om gravitasie kragte te weerstaan. Vir die aanname van plastiese skarnier sones om geldig te wees word ʼn fondasie met voldoende styfheid benodig. Só ʼn fondasie moet beperkte rotasie toelaat en moet elasties bly wanneer laterale kragte aan die struktuur aangewend word. ʼn Fondasie met ʼn groter kapasiteit as dié van die skuifmuur lei daartoe dat uitermate groot fondasies benodig word in gebiede van gematigde seismiese risiko vir geboue met geen kelder vlak. Hierdie studie is daarop gemik om die moontlikheid van kleiner skuifmuur fondasies te ondersoek vir geboue met geen kelder vlak in gebiede van gematigde seismiese risiko. Die ondersoek het ten doel om skuifmuur fondasie wieg aksie toe te laat en die bydrae van strukturele rame tot die laterale styfheid van die struktuur in ag te neem. Eerstens is die laterale krag-verplasing kapasiteit van ʼn skuifmuur en ʼn interne gewapende beton raam van die gekose gebou bepaal. Nie-lineêre moment-rotasie gedrag is bepaal vir die skuifmuur fondasie grootte wat tradisioneel benodig sou word asook vir ses ander kleiner fondasie grotes. Die bogenoemde kapasiteit kurwes is gebruik om ʼn vereenvoudigde model van die strukturele sisteme wat aanvaar word om laterale styfheid tot die gebou te verleen, op te stel. Hierdie vereenvoudigde model kombineer gevolglik die effek van die skuifmuur, interne raam en skuifmuur fondasie. Nie-lineêre tydgeskiedenis analises is uitgevoer op die vereenvoudigde model ten einde die dinamiese reaksie van die struktuur te ondersoek vir verskillende fondasie grotes. Resultate is beoordeel op ʼn globale en lokale vlak. Daar is waargeneem dat aansienlik kleiner skuifmuur fondasies moontlik is deur wieg aksie van die fondasie toe te laat en die bydrae van ander strukturele elemente tot die laterale styfheid van die gebou in ag te neem.

Neste trabalho analisa-se a resistência à punção e a ductilidade das ligações laje-pilar em doze modelos de lajes-cogumelo de concreto armado, nas quais se efetuam combinações de emprego de concreto de alta resistência, diferentes volumes de fibras de aço e uso de armadura transversal na forma de conectores de aço tipo pino. Todas as lajes são quadradas com 1160 mm de lado e 100 mm de espessura. A armadura de flexão foi composta de barras de aço de 10 mm espaçadas de tal forma a resistir a um momento fletor único em ambas direções. Os conectores, quando utilizados, foram dispostos radialmente e compostos de barras de aço de 6.6 mm soldadas a segmentos de ferro chato nas duas extremidades. Para avaliar a capacidade resistente dos modelos de ligação laje-pilar e observar o ganho de ductilidade que as fibras proporcionam, foram ensaiados segmentos-de-laje, os quais representam uma faixa destes modelos de ligação laje-pilar. Foi utilizado um sistema de ensaio dotado de atuador hidráulico servo-controlado, programado para ensaio com deformação controlada e aquisição contínua dos dados, o que permitiu a avaliação do comportamento pós-pico de resistência e a realização de medições de resistência residual. Várias hipóteses de cálculo foram utilizadas para avaliar a resistência última das ligações laje-pilar. Empregou-se um critério de classificação para caracterizar o tipo de ruptura em: punção ou flexão predominante ou uma combinação de punção-flexão. Constatou-se que o emprego de concreto de alta resistência, juntamente com armadura transversal, aumenta substancialmente a resistência da ligação laje-pilar, e quando combinado com fibras de aço, consegue-se um considerável aumento da ductilidade. / This work analyses the punching shear resistance and ductility of slab-column connections on twelve concrete flat slab models. The model characteristics resulted from combinations of the application of high or ordinary strength concrete, different steel fiber volume fractions and use or not of shear reinforcement. All the slabs are square with 1,160 mm of side and 100 mm of thickness. The main flexural reinforcement was composed of 10 mm steel bars spaced in such a way to resist to the same bending moment in both directions. When used, the shear reinforcement of steel studs were disposed in radial directions and consisted of 6.6 mm steel bars welded to flat steel segments in their ends. To evaluate the resistant capacity of slab-column connection models and to observe the ductility that the fibers provide, they were rehearsed segments-of-slab, which represents a strip of these slab-column connection models. A testing system with a servo-controlled hydraulic jack was used and it was programmed for a controlled deformation test and continuous data acquisition. This method allowed the evaluation of the post-peak strength behavior and the measurement of residual resistance forces. Several calculations hypotheses were used to evaluate the ultimate strength of the slab-column connections. A classification criterium was applied to characterize the failure type as: predominant punching or flexure or a combination of punching-flexure. It was verified that the application of high strength concrete, together with shear reinforcement, increases substantially the slab-column connection strength, and, when combined with steel fibers, a considerable ductility increase is achieved.

Ma thèse se focalise sur l'étude des mécanismes qui ont conduit au soulèvement et à la construction du relief dans les Andes du Nord du Pérou. Dans cette région, la Cordillère Blanche forme les plus hauts sommets péruviens (> 6000 m) et constitue une anomalie à l'échelle des Andes. La morphologie de cette région des Andes est marquée par un pluton de forme atypique, allongé et à l'affleurement sur plus de 150 km. Ce pluton est bordé par une faille normale de plus de 200 km de long. La présence de cette faille normale majeure en contexte de subduction plane reste surprenante car ces zones de subduction planes semblent induire une augmentation du raccourcissement dans la plaque chevauchante. Mon travail a eu pour objectifs de caractériser les variations de l'état de contraintes régional, l'âge du soulèvement et de discuter les processus géodynamiques qui ont contribué à la formation du relief. Dans ce cadre, j'ai utilisé une approche pluridisciplinaire impliquant sur plusieurs échelles spatio-temporelles et comprenant à la fois de nouvelles données de terrain, leur analyse et leur modélisation.Mes données de microtectonique indiquent qu'il est possible de générer de l'extension au dessus d'une subduction plane à l'échelle régionale. Ces données sont en contradiction avec l'augmentation du raccourcissement classiquement attendue dans la plaque chevauchante. Mes nouvelles données de thermochronologie basse température et leur modélisation montrent une augmentation de l'exhumation induite par le soulèvement de la Cordillère Occidentale à 15 Ma. En les confrontant aux modèles précédents, je propose un soulèvement régional lié à l'aplatissement de la subduction et à la topographie dynamique associée.J'ai également étudié l'impact de l'arc Miocène sur le soulèvement à une échelle plus locale. Pour cela, j'ai compilé tous les âges de refroidissement du pluton disponibles dans la littérature. En parallèle, j'ai obtenu les premières données de profondeur de mise en place du batholite de la Cordillère Blanche. Cela m'a permis de proposer une structure du batholite en sills empilés puis basculés vers l'est. De plus, la modélisation des variations spatio-temporelle des taux d'érosion à partir des données de thermochronologie basse température indique une augmentation importante des taux d'érosion dans la Cordillère Blanche à partir de 2 Ma. L'arc Miocène ne semble donc pas contribuer significativement au soulèvement malgré sa probable contribution à l'épaississement de la lithosphère. En revanche, l'érosion glaciaire récente semble contribuer fortement à l'exhumation de la Cordillère Blanche et au basculement du batholite.Dans la dernière partie de ma thèse, pour quantifier l'importance de l'érosion dans la création du relief et le soulèvement, j'ai modélisé l'évolution du paysage de la région (FastScape). Mes modélisations numériques démontrent le rôle majeur de l'érosion et du rebond flexural associé dans la création du relief et les taux de soulèvement. Pour finir, basée sur les données de la littérature et celles apportées par mon travail de thèse, je propose un nouveau modèle pour expliquer la faille normale de la Cordillère Blanche dans son contexte régional. Ce modèle implique une faille normale d'extrado et l'érosion importante du mur de la faille. / My thesis focuses on the mechanisms that controlled the uplift and construction of the relief in the northern Peruvian Andes. In this area, the Cordillera Blanca forms the highest peaks in Peru (> 6000 m), which is a topographic anomaly across the Andes. The morphology of the Cordillera Blanca is marked by an elongated pluton, which outcrops over 150 km. In addition, this pluton is bordered by the largest normal fault from South America. The presence of this major normal fault in a flat-slab context remains surprising because flat slabs usually induce an increase of the shortening in the overriding plate. The aim of my work is to characterize the variations of the regional stress field, the age of the uplift and discuss the geodynamic processes that contributed to relief building. To address these issues, I used a multidisciplinary approach involving new field data, their analysis and modeling.My microtectonic dataset reveals regional extension above the Peruvian flat-slab. This data contradicts the expected increase of shortening in the overriding plate. Modeling my new thermochronologic data shows an increase in the exhumation rates induced by the uplift of the Cordillera Occidental since 15 Ma. I propose that the regional uplift relates to the flattening of the subduction and associated dynamic topography.To address the impact of the Miocene arc on the uplift at a more local scale, I compiled the cooling ages of the pluton available in the literature. In parallel, I obtained the first amphibole thermo-barometry data that constrains emplacement depth of the Cordillera Blanca batholith. Following these data, I propose that the batholith is structured in eastward-tilted sills. In addition, modeling of the space and time variations of erosion rates based on the inversion of thermochronologic data indicates that erosion rates significantly increased in the Cordillera Blanca since 2 Ma. The Miocene arc seems to insignificantly contribute to the local uplift despite its contribution to the thickening of the lithosphere. Thus, I suggest that the recent glacial erosion contributes to the exhumation of the Cordillera Blanca and subsequent tilting of the batholith.Then, I modeled the landscape evolution for the Cordillera Blanca region to quantify the contribution of erosion in the relief building and the uplift. My numerical models (FastScape) evidence the importance of erosion and associated flexural rebound in fostering relief building and the uplift rates.Finally, based on all available data, I propose a new regional model to explain the Cordillera Blanca normal fault. This model implies an extrado normal fault and erosion of the footwall.

Neste trabalho analisa-se a resistência à punção e a ductilidade das ligações laje-pilar em doze modelos de lajes-cogumelo de concreto armado, nas quais se efetuam combinações de emprego de concreto de alta resistência, diferentes volumes de fibras de aço e uso de armadura transversal na forma de conectores de aço tipo pino. Todas as lajes são quadradas com 1160 mm de lado e 100 mm de espessura. A armadura de flexão foi composta de barras de aço de 10 mm espaçadas de tal forma a resistir a um momento fletor único em ambas direções. Os conectores, quando utilizados, foram dispostos radialmente e compostos de barras de aço de 6.6 mm soldadas a segmentos de ferro chato nas duas extremidades. Para avaliar a capacidade resistente dos modelos de ligação laje-pilar e observar o ganho de ductilidade que as fibras proporcionam, foram ensaiados segmentos-de-laje, os quais representam uma faixa destes modelos de ligação laje-pilar. Foi utilizado um sistema de ensaio dotado de atuador hidráulico servo-controlado, programado para ensaio com deformação controlada e aquisição contínua dos dados, o que permitiu a avaliação do comportamento pós-pico de resistência e a realização de medições de resistência residual. Várias hipóteses de cálculo foram utilizadas para avaliar a resistência última das ligações laje-pilar. Empregou-se um critério de classificação para caracterizar o tipo de ruptura em: punção ou flexão predominante ou uma combinação de punção-flexão. Constatou-se que o emprego de concreto de alta resistência, juntamente com armadura transversal, aumenta substancialmente a resistência da ligação laje-pilar, e quando combinado com fibras de aço, consegue-se um considerável aumento da ductilidade. / This work analyses the punching shear resistance and ductility of slab-column connections on twelve concrete flat slab models. The model characteristics resulted from combinations of the application of high or ordinary strength concrete, different steel fiber volume fractions and use or not of shear reinforcement. All the slabs are square with 1,160 mm of side and 100 mm of thickness. The main flexural reinforcement was composed of 10 mm steel bars spaced in such a way to resist to the same bending moment in both directions. When used, the shear reinforcement of steel studs were disposed in radial directions and consisted of 6.6 mm steel bars welded to flat steel segments in their ends. To evaluate the resistant capacity of slab-column connection models and to observe the ductility that the fibers provide, they were rehearsed segments-of-slab, which represents a strip of these slab-column connection models. A testing system with a servo-controlled hydraulic jack was used and it was programmed for a controlled deformation test and continuous data acquisition. This method allowed the evaluation of the post-peak strength behavior and the measurement of residual resistance forces. Several calculations hypotheses were used to evaluate the ultimate strength of the slab-column connections. A classification criterium was applied to characterize the failure type as: predominant punching or flexure or a combination of punching-flexure. It was verified that the application of high strength concrete, together with shear reinforcement, increases substantially the slab-column connection strength, and, when combined with steel fibers, a considerable ductility increase is achieved.

Punching shear is a failure mechanism caused by concentrated loads, creating a crack pattern that resembles a cone shape or piece of pie starting from the top surface of the slab and prolongs downwards. When the total shear force is greater than the shear resistance of the slab, it may eventually lead to punching shear failure. It can be visualized as the column punches through the slab. Punching shear is very brittle and occurs all of a sudden. It is believed that the slab is subjected to hogging moments over the column in both directions, i.e. parallel and perpendicular to the free edge. Non-linear finite element analyses (NLFEA) has been used to study the cracking and failure mechanism for the reinforced slab. It is a slab over the edge support without clamping stiffness, therefore simulating the slab shear mechanism over a slender steel column is carried out in this study. The analyses has been performed using the software ATENA 3D Engineering developed by Červenka Consulting. Since the symmetry has been taken into account over an edge column, only one half of the cross-section has been modeled, with a symmetry line passing vertically through the slab and column. It can be summarized that the failure encountered around the column has a conical shape crack pattern similar to the ones encountered when punching shear occurs. However, it is important to note that this failure is not due to classic punching shear, but instead due to shear cracks developing around the column in both directions, both parallel and perpendicular to the free-edge. Three models (C1, C2, and C3) are studied to evaluate the impact that the length of the lower leg of the c-bar reinforcement has during failure. As mentioned earlier above, the crack propagation during punching shear begins from the upper surface of the slab and prolongs downwards diagonally towards the bottom of the slab and adjacent to the column. However, the crack propagation in the strip perpendicular to the free edge in all three models initiate from the bottom and propagate upwards. It can be concluded that the length reduction of the lower leg of the c-bars as a consequence reduced the shear strength capacity of the slab around the steel-plate. The reason for this is due to a reduction in maximum peak load when the lower leg of the c-bars were reduced. Consequently, this leads to a decrease in shear strength capacity of the slab and an earlier failure, where the inner-span was not able to take additional loads which could have led to greater deflections. / Genomstansning är en brottmekanism orsakad av koncentrerade laster, vilket skapar ett sprickmönster i likhet med en konfrom ellet en bit av paj som börjar från den övre ytan av plattan och förlängs nedåt. När den totala skjuvkraften är större än skjuvmotståndet i plattan , kan det så småningom leda till ett genomstansningsbrott. Det kan visualiseras som att pelaren stansar eller slår igenom plattan. Genomstansning är ett mycket sprött brott och inträffar helt plötsligt. Det antas att plattan utsätts för negativt moment ovanför pelaren i båda riktningarna, d.v.s såväl parallellt som vinkelrät mot den fria kanten. Icke-linjära finita elementanalyser (NLFEA) har använts för att studera sprickbildnings och brottmekanismen för den förstärkta plattan. Det är en platta över kantstödet utan någon fast inspänd styvhet, därför simuleras skjuvmekanismen för plattan över en slank stålpelare i denna studie. Analyserna har utförts med programvaran ATENA 3D Engineering som utvecklats av Červenka Consulting. Eftersom hänsyn har tagits till symmetrin över en kantpelare har endast halva tvärsnittet modellerats, med en symmetrilinje som går vertikalt genom plattan och pelaren. Det kan sammanfattas att brottet som påträffas runt pelaren har en konisk form med ett sprickamönster som liknar de som påträffas vid genomstansning. Det är dock viktigt att notera att detta brott inte orsakats av klassisk genomstansning, utan istället på grund av skjuvsprickor som utvecklast runt pelaren i båda riktningarna, såväl parallellt som vinkelrät mot den fria kanten. Som det tidigare nämnts ovanför börjar sprickan vid genomstansning från plattans övre yta och förlängs nedåt diagonalt mot bottenplattan och intill pelaren. Sprickmönstret i remsan vinkelrät mot den fria kanten i alla tre modellerna (C1, C2 och C3) initierar dock från botten och sprids uppåt. Slutsatsen kan dras att längdminskningen av c-stängernas underben minskade skjuvhållfastheten hos betongplattan runt pelaren. Anledningen till detta beror på en minskning av maximal toppbelastning när c-stängernas underben reducerades. Följaktligen leder detta till en minskning av skjuvhållfastheten och ett tidigare brott, där den inre spännvidden inte kunda ta ytterligare belastningar som kunde ha lett till större nedböjningar.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:09:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 1616.pdf: 4035803 bytes, checksum: 02081aa2752efe82918a70652eda7c2e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-08-24 / This present work covers possible manners of evaluating steel concrete frames designed for multiple flooring buildings as far as instability and necessity of second order efforts are concerned. Starting from single floor projects with simple flat slab frame, models with different numbers of floors are considered. The models do not use large rigidity elements such as staircases and lift shafts. The modeling used in this piece adopts simplified criteria for vertical action dimensioning, forming frames with flat slab layers taken as low height beams. These models are evaluated. Based on the results, the work analyzes the application validity of criteria to dismiss consideration of the NBR6118:2003 code presented second order global effort, and compares this against the P-∆ process utilization. Results both with and without inverted beams at the periphery are compared. / O presente trabalho aborda maneiras possíveis de avaliar estruturas de concreto armado destinadas a edifícios de múltiplos pavimentos quanto à instabilidade e necessidade de considerações de esforços de segunda ordem. A partir de plantas simples de estruturas em lajes planas, são considerados modelos com diferentes números de pavimentos. Os modelos não utilizam elementos de grande rigidez, como poços de elevadores e escadas. A modelagem utilizada adota os critérios simplificados para dimensionamento às ações verticais, formando pórticos com faixas de lajes admitidas como vigas de pequena altura. Estes modelos são avaliados. A partir dos resultados, analisa- se a validade a aplicação dos critérios para dispensa de consideração dos esforços globais de segunda ordem apresentados na NBR6118:2003, e se compara com a utilização do processo P-∆. São comparados resultados para estruturas com e sem utilização de vigas invertidas na periferia.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:03:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Christine Garrido Marquez.pdf: 3277601 bytes, checksum: e27c6b29c8e0951b47d16d9bbfeb2287 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-08-31 / Eight reinforced concrete square flat slabs of reinforced concrete were tested. Slabs were 130mm thick with an 1800 mm side and were submitted to central loading, and the objective was to investigate the influence of column rectangularity coefficient. Column cross section dimensions (cmáx/cmín) varyied between 1 and 4, with a constant perimeter equal to 1000mm. Results presented and analysed include ultimate loads and failure types, modes of rupture, vertical displacements, cracking and deformations of steel and concrete. Comparisons with codes, norms and results of literature results are also presented. The results indicate that as the rectangularity coefficient increases, punching shear resistance decreases for constant perimeter column flat slabs. Suggesting that punching shear has to be considered specially in regions close to column extremity, where there is a larger concentration of shear forces. A proposal for an inclusion of the retangularity parameter (cmáx/cmín) in expressions for calculation punching shear resistance of ACI (2002), CEB-FIP (1991), EC2 (2001) and NBR-6118 (2003) codes is presented. / São analisadas experimentalmente 8 (oito) lajes cogumelo de concreto armado quadradas com 1800 mm de lado e 130 mm de espessura, submetidas a carregamento central, com o objetivo de investigar a influência do índice de retanguralidade do pilar, sendo que a relação entre as dimensões da seção transversal do pilar (cmáx/cmín) variou entre 1 e 4, com perímetro mantido constante e igual a 1000 mm. São apresentados e analisados os resultados das cargas últimas, modos de ruptura, deslocamentos verticais, fissuração e deformações do aço e concreto. São apresentadas comparações dos resultados experimentais com códigos, normas de projeto e resultados da literatura. Os resultados indicam que à medida que aumenta o índice de retangularidade, a resistência à punção diminui, para lajes que possuem pilares com o perímetro constante. Sugerindo que o combate à punção pode ser mais efetivo em regiões próximas das extremidades dos pilares, onde há maior concentração de forças cortantes. É apresentada uma proposta de inclusão do parâmetro cmáx/cmín nas expressões de cálculo da resistência à punção do ACI (2002), CEB-FIP (1991), EC2 (2001) e NBR-6118 (2003).

The construction industry is currently developing and evolving towards more automated and optimized processes in the project design phase. One reason for this development is that computational power is becoming a more precise and accessible tool and its applications are multiplying daily. Complex structural engineering problems are typically time-consuming with large scale calculations, resulting in a limited number of evaluated solutions. Quality solutions are based on engineering experience, assumptions and previous knowledge of the subject.The use of parametric design within a structural design problem is a way of coping with complex solutions. Its methodology strips down each problem to basic solvable parameters, allowing the structure to be controlled and recombined to achieve an optimal solution.This thesis introduces the concept of parametric design and optimization in structural engineering practice, explaining how the software application works and presenting a case study carried out to evaluate the result. In this thesis a parametric model was built using the Dynamo software to handle a design process involving a common structural engineering problem. The structural problem investigated is a reinforced concrete slab supported by a centre column that is exposed to punching shear failure. The results provided are used for comparisons and as indicators of whether a more effective and better design has been achieved. Such indicators included less materials and therefore less financial cost and/or fewer environmental impacts, while maintaining the structural strength. A parametric model allows the user to easily modify and adapt any type of structure modification, making it the perfect tool to apply to an optimization process.The purpose of this thesis was to find a more effective way to solve a complex problem and to increase the number of solutions and evaluations of the problem compared to a more conventional method. The focus was to develop a parametric model of a reinforced concrete slab subjected to punching shear, which would be able to implement optimization in terms of time spent on the project and therefore also the cost of the structure and environmental impact.The result of this case study suggests a great potential for cost savings. The created parametric model proved in its current state to be a useful and helpful tool for the designer of reinforced concrete slab subjected to punching shear. The result showed several solutions that meet both the economical and the punching shear failure goals and which were optimized using the parametrical model. Many solutions were provided and evaluated beyond what could have been done in a project using a conventional method. For a structure of this type, a parametric strategy will help the engineer to achieve more optimal solutions. / Just nu utvecklas Byggbranschen mot mer automatiserade och optimerade processer i projektdesignfasen. Denna utveckling beror till stor del på teknikutveckling i form av bättre datorprogram och tillgänglighet för dessa. Traditionellt sett löses komplexa konstruktionsproblem med hjälp av tidskrävande och storskaliga beräkningar, vilka sedan resulterar i ett begränsat antal utvärderade lösningar. Kvalitets lösningar bygger då på teknisk erfarenhet, antaganden och tidigare kunskaper inom ämnet.Användning av parametrisk design inom ett konstruktionsproblem är ett sätt att hantera komplexa lösningar. Dess metod avgränsar varje problem ner till ett antal lösbara parametrar, vilket gör att strukturen kan kontrolleras och rekombineras för att uppnå en optimal lösning.Denna avhandling introducerar begreppet parametrisk design och optimering i konstruktionsteknik, den förklarar hur programvaran fungerar och presenterar en fallstudie som genomförts för att utvärdera resultatet. I denna avhandling byggdes en parametrisk modell med hjälp av programvaran Dynamo för att hantera en designprocess av ett vanligt konstruktionsproblem. Det strukturella problemet som undersökts är en armerad betongplatta som stöds av en mittpelare, utsatt för genomstansning. Resultaten används för att utvärdera om en bättre design med avseende på materialanvändning har uppnåtts. Minimering av materialanvändning anses vara en bra parameter att undersöka eftersom det ger lägre kostnader och/eller lägre miljöpåverkan, detta undersöks under förutsättning att konstruktionens hållfasthet bibehålls. En parametrisk modell gör det möjligt för användaren att enkelt modifiera en konstruktionslösning med avseende på olika parametrar. Detta gör det till det perfekta verktyget att tillämpa en optimeringsprocess på.Syftet med denna avhandling var att hitta ett mer effektivt sätt att lösa ett komplext problem och att multiplicera antalet lösningar och utvärderingar av problemet jämfört med en mer konventionell metod. Fokus var att utveckla en parametrisk modell av en armerad betongplatta utsatt för genomstansning, som kommer att kunna genomföra optimering med avseende på tid som spenderas på projektet och därmed också kostnaden för konstruktionen och miljöpåverkan.Resultatet av denna fallstudie tyder på att det finns en stor möjlighet till kostnadsbesparingar och anses därför vara ett mycket hjälpsamt verktyg för en konstruktör. Resultatet visade flera lösningar som uppfyllde de konstruktionsmässiga kraven samtidigt som de gav en lägre materialanvändning tack vare optimeringen. Många lösningar tillhandahölls och utvärderades utöver vad som kunde ha gjorts i ett projekt med en konventionell metod. En parametrisk strategi kommer att hjälpa ingenjören att optimera lösningen för en konstruktion av denna typ.

The Master’s thesis is focused on the analysis and design of selected members of load-bearing structure of an administration building according to the ultimate limit states (ULS) and seviceability limit states (SLS). The calculation and the analysis was supported by design software SCIA ENGINEER 2012. Structural analysis deals with the design of the reinforced concrete (RC) flat slab above the 4rd strorey which is particularly supported by RC columns and particularly lies on RC walls. Furthermore, the Master’s thesis contains analysis of some selected columns of last three storeys, column of lowest storey, construction of stairway between 4rd and 5th storeys. The work beside this deals with the calculation and design of foundation of the object. The rest parts of the load-bearing structure are not solved in the Master’s thesis.