Advantages
The diagrid concept has become an effective choice in today’s structural system industry. The following list describes a few, of the many, advantages that come with using a diagrid design.
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Allows for less steel use as compared to conventional steel framed projects, and can span a greater length.
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Eliminates the need to have a building with large corner columns and internal columns.
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Higher efficiency of load distribution in the case of a compromised structure reducing the chances of progressive collapse.
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If designed correctly, the overall structure requires less space.
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Allows for completely organic & complex structure designs.
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Gives the ability to transform a normal building to one with a complex yet smooth outer skin.
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Materials are lightweight, but provide higher level of strength.
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The lateral stiffness of diagrid structures is desirable not only for static loads but also for dynamic loads which generate responses in both the windward and across-wind direction.
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It allows for maximum use of natural lighting capabilities.
Limitations
The diagrid is an up and coming structural system that has tons of things to offer. However, just like any other systems out there, it is not completely perfect due to its limitations. Here are some of them:
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The complex design of the diagrid system can present challenges in the computation and construction process.
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Because of the design variables like the diagonal angle and the bending to shear flexibility ratio, it is not possible to predict in advance, which approach will govern, either global stiffness demand or member strength demand.
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There is a height limitation of 100 stories for diagrid constructed of steel and 60 stories for diagrid constructed of concrete.
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Concrete diagrid system is very complex. Thus, it requires a large amount of form work, which eventually leads to higher construction cost.
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Similarly, steel members are pre-fabricated due to their complexity. This also increases the construction cost.
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Interior diagrid may result to strange interior height.
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The diagrid is a very strong design statement. This can sometimes be overpowering.