A generalized approach to the deflection analysis of braced frame, rigid frame, and coupled wall structures

A generalized approach to the deflection analysis of uniform braced frame, rigid frame, and coupled wall structures is presented. It is shown that these three types of structures belong to a family of cantilevers whose deflections can be defined by their bending and shear characteristics. The deflection equation is written in terms of two nondimensional characteristic structural parameters. Deflection equations are presented for three lateral loading cases: uniformly distributed, triangularly distributed, and a concentrated load at the top.The method is shown to be a useful rapid hand method for estimating deflections, with an accuracy suitable for preliminary design purposes.