TECHNOLOGICAL STRUCTURE

A technological structure is a multi-tier steel structure with moment resisting frames (OMRF or SMRF) in one direction and with braced frames in the other. This structure generally supports piping and other equipment such as boilers, condensers, exchangers, vessels etc on one or more levels. It may even house equipment supported off the grade. Flooring is usually in open bar grating. Stairs, ladders and handrails form an integral part of any technological structure.

Plan bracing is required at each level to achieve diaphram action and to transfer lateral forces from supported pipes and other equipment onto columns. Lateral forces such as those due to wind and earthquake, are resisted either by frame action or by elevations braces.