STAAD.Pro-Based Structural Analysis and AI Regression Modeling for Durability Prediction of Floating-Column Buildings

Abstract

The increasing demand for open and column-free spaces in modern high-rise buildings has led to the adoption of floating columns for long-span applications such as parking areas, commercial spaces, auditoriums, and multipurpose halls. While floating columns provide greater architectural flexibility and efficient space utilization, they introduce discontinuities in the structural load path, which may adversely affect the building's stability and performance under gravity and lateral loads. This research presents an analytical investigation of the structural behavior of high-rise buildings incorporating floating columns using STAAD.Pro. Multiple high-rise building models with different floating column configurations will be developed and analyzed under dead, live, wind, and seismic loading conditions in accordance with relevant Indian Standard codes. The structural performance will be evaluated by comparing key response parameters, including storey displacement, storey drift, axial force, shear force, bending moment, support reactions, and overall structural stability. A comparative analysis between conventional and floating column structures will be performed to assess the influence of floating columns on load transfer mechanisms and global structural response. The outcomes of this study are expected to provide practical design insights for the safe, economical, and efficient implementation of floating columns in long-span high-rise buildings, thereby supporting improved structural design practices and informed engineering decision-making.