An event center in Wyoming experienced foundation settlement of up to 1.5 inches at the mid span support of rigid moment frames spanning 76 feet. Structural mechanics consisted of support at three points resulting in indeterminate boundary conditions. Settlement of one of three support points was therefore determined to be potentially critical. Deflection and stress distribution under maximum snow load conditions and foundation settlement was determined to be a potential source of moment frame distress. GES Tech Group was retained to analyze the structural system under variable loading conditions using a non-linear time based approach.
It was determined that mid span support settlement did not adversely impact moment frame performance.
