Details

The study is devoted to quantifying the effectiveness of LSCS framing system against monolithic concrete framing system. The current construction industry is dominated mainly by concrete framing systems, either lateral resistant systems (wall-slab, core or tube systems) or column-beam systems, which could also be classified as in-situ or precast based on construction method. Through time the development of new technologies forced the sector to look for newer and more “efficient” framing systems. Efficiency of a framing system could be measured by its structural soundness, cost, construction duration, environmental impact, sustainability and others. The need to find a more efficient construction material, framing system, construction process etc. will always be there as the need to save resources is the main driving force behind it. Although a thorough study of framing systems is important, comparison between systems provide an insight on what can be improved. In this study, in addition to the structural resilience, the possibility of saving resources like time and money is studied by comparing the structural analysis, cost and time of construction of LSCS (Light steel concrete structure) and Monolithic concrete frame of a G+3 apartment building. The study uses finite element method for structural analysis, unit rate for cost calculation based on work quantities and critical path method to find the duration of the construction for the two systems. The study was aimed at providing a framework for engineers and developers to determine which system offers the most resource-effective path for medium-to-large scale developments and also to be used as a tool while choosing a system for a project. The results show that the two systems have different responses to applied loads, especially in the reaction forces transferred to the foundations. Significant differences are observed in cost and time needed for completion. The LSCS system was proven to be more effective in comparison to the monolithic concrete frame. For the purpose of the study, different softwares were used. SCAD office for structural analysis, MS Excel for unit rate and cost calculation, MS project for scheduling. In addition, AutoCAD, and Mendeley desktop were used for drawing preparation and referencing (citation).