How do you calculate multistory building story drift?

Answer 1

To calculate story drift in a multistory building, you typically measure the lateral displacement between floors caused by lateral forces such as wind or seismic activity. This is done by determining the difference in lateral displacement between two consecutive floors at the same point, usually the top of the columns or walls. The story drift can be expressed as a ratio of the drift to the height of the floor, often measured in inches or millimeters. Structural engineers may use methods such as finite element analysis or simplified hand calculations based on building codes to assess story drift under expected loads.