The ability to model complex, three-dimensional, multi-bay, multi-storey structures to a high degree of accuracy has become commonplace over the last 20 years due to the widespread availability of powerful desktop computers and a variety of inexpensive finite element software. The resulting models are often referred to as 'global' or 'holistic' since they model the whole structure in its entirety. Thus any interaction between structural components such as frames, shear walls, cores etc. or coupling due to asymmetry of the plan form are automatically accounted for. Such complex models offer considerable insight into the behaviour of the physical structure and their use for detailed design and analysis is not in question. However, the development of such a model at an early stage in a design process can be time consuming and unproductive if used during a period of rapid evolution of the concept. A compelling alternative is to use a simpler model, developed especially for the type of structure under consideration, which models only the dominant characteristics of the structure.
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