Published Paper Details:

In many high-rise buildings, architectural requirements may result in a variable configuration for the vertical structural elements between the stories of the building. To accommodate such vertical elements discontinuity a �transfer� floor conveying vertical and lateral loads between upper and lower stories must be introduced. To accommodate the multiple architectural requirements, the location, orientation, and dimensions of the vertical and lateral load resisting elements vary every certain number of stories. In such cases, a transfer floor is commonly used to solve this persistent structural-architectural conflict. A transfer floor is the floor system which supports a system of vertical and lateral load resisting elements and transfers its loading action to a different underneath system. Transfer systems are generally used in multifunction structures, in which the lower stories of the building usually are used as open public areas, while floors above that transfer system could accommodate typical residential or office spaces.