Steel Moment Resisting Frame (SMRF) Optimization

Intended users

• Structural Engineers
• Architects
• Construction Managers (CM)

Need you’re trying to provide a solution or support for

For Structural Engineers:

• Provide early design feedback, including cost estimation, optimized bay sizing, and required member sizes for SMRF (Special Moment Resisting Frame) design.
• In some cases, a single structural frame with large bays may meet the architect’s spatial requirements but fail to resist seismic forces, even when using the largest available member sizes. In such cases, adjustments to the structural grid layout are necessary and early feedbacks are crucial in the process.

For Architects:

• Provide structural insights and understand structural constraints especially in seismic areas.

For CMs:

• Provide element sizes for cost estimation, prefabrication, transportation and logistics of large elements.

Inputs

Constants:

• Footprint Dimensions
• Number of Stories
• Member Section Type
• Seismic Static Loads

Variables:

• Structural Grid Spacings (Bay Sizes)
• Story Height

Underlying logic of the model you’ll implement

• Structural Model Generation:
• Automatically generate a simple 3D frame model based on grid inputs.
• Preliminary Member Sizing:
• Estimate required section sizes for beams and columns based on target drift limits and strength demands.
• Grid Evaluation:
• Check if member sizes required for larger bays exceed maximum available standard sections.
• Cost Estimation:
• Estimate material quantities (linear feet of beams/columns) and weight.
• Approximate cost based on unit weight and unit cost of steel.

Outputs

• Suggested optimal bay size ranges balancing architectural flexibility and structural feasibility.
• Estimated member sizes.
• Approximate total steel weight and cost.