Lateral loading distribution between the elements of a three-dimensional civil structure

Abstract The problem of the lateral loading distribution between the resistant elements of a three-dimensional civil structure is analyzed. The bracings (shear-walls and frames) are supposed to be axially undeformable and interconnected through floors undeformable in their planes, so that only three degrees-of-freedom per floor are considered. A general formulation is presented and the internal loading transmitted to the single bracing is expressed through pre-multiplication of the external loading vector by a distribution matrix. A numerical example is eventually shown, in order to illustrate the use of a FORTRAN computer program, which translates the algebraical formulation into a sequence of elementary operations.