Accurate Estimation of Inter-Story Drift Ratio in Multistory Framed Buildings Using a Novel Continuous Beam Model

This study presents a novel method for accurately predicting the dynamic behavior of multistory frame buildings under earthquake ground motion. The proposed allows approximately estimating inter-story drift ratio, crucial parameter strongly associated with building damage, its distribution along height, and maximum value location. An equivalent continuous beam model rotation at base, consisting combination shear flexural beam, is to achieve this. derives closed-form solutions building’s characteristics. lateral deformations height subjected given load, particularly ratio profiles, parameter, are investigated. requires two dimensionless parameters: stiffness (α) base (θ), representing first story. For expression coefficient, simple equation also using beam-to-column (ρ, or Blume coefficient) framed (discrete) system. Various models employed validate method, demonstrating applicability both high-rise low-rise configurations. With results obtained, it shown that can be used not only but models.