The decision of the lateral force resisting system for a building should be made by the structural engineer and the architect. The decision is based on a multitude of factors including structural performance, integration with architectural systems, integration with mechanical systems, constructability, and cost. This course will investigate several common lateral force resisting systems; steel moment frames, steel braced frames, wood shear walls, concrete shear walls and compare the suitability of those systems for use in low-rise buildings. Metrics will be developed to assist in the decision making process. Use of those metrics will be explored through examples.

• Compare the structural performance of different lateral force resisting systems
• Compare the architectural implications in using those same systems
• Compare the implications of constructing the different systems
• Compare the common factors affecting the system cost
• Develop and apply metrics to assist in decision making process