International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Chirag Ka Patel, Patel Manish
Abstract: The rapid growth of tall and slender buildings in modern cities demands structurally efficient systems that can simultaneously ensure strength, stiffness, and architectural freedom. Traditional Conventional Braced Moment Resisting Steel Frames (CBMRF), though widely adopted, often face limitations in controlling lateral drift and optimizing material usage in high-rise applications. In contrast, the Diagrid Moment Resisting Steel Frame (DMRF) system has emerged as a promising structural innovation, characterized by its triangulated configuration that resists both gravity and lateral loads predominantly through axial action rather than bending. This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis between diagrid and conventional braced steel frame systems with respect to lateral load behavior, inter-storey drift, base shear, displacement control, and material efficiency under wind and seismic loading conditions. Analytical models were developed using finite element-based software tools, and both systems were evaluated for identical geometric and loading configurations. The comparative results demonstrate that the diagrid structural system exhibits significantly higher lateral stiffness, lower storey drift, and reduced steel consumption—achieving up to 15–20% material savings compared to the conventional braced frame. Moreover, the diagrid system provides superior torsional resistance and energy dissipation capacity, enhancing its performance in seismic-prone regions. The findings of this study reaffirm that while conventional braced frames remain effective and economical for low- to mid-rise structures, diagrid systems offer substantial advantages for tall and architecturally complex buildings, ensuring better performance, sustainability, and aesthetic integration. This research contributes to the ongoing advancement of high-rise structural design by providing a rational basis for selecting the most efficient and adaptable steel frame system for future urban development.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17356035
