STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

Figure 7.9 Dynamic relaxation velocity response graph.
The characteristic displacement response and corresponding velocity response are charted
in Figure 7.8 and Figure 7.9 respectively. The dampening pulses are applied at peak velocity
and zero velocity as indicated in the velocity response graph. The discontinuities in the
displacement curve correspond to these pulses. Steady-state is achieved in the
displacement response graph at 17.02 in (432.3mm), representing the peak displacement
under lateral wind load in this analysis.
An interesting aspect of this approach is that an accurate problem solution is provided, not
merely an approximation. Given the structural problem as defined by the various input
constraints, analysis results match those of the full DR program, or any other dynamic
relaxation program. The fundamental calculation method is identical. The limitation comes in
the range of structural forms the system is capable of handling. In actual application, few
façade structures are comprised of a uniform grid in an overall rectilinear configuration of a
single vertical dimension and single horizontal dimension (although this tool could encourage
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