This paper presents an innovative method of using a building’s enclosure system of precast concrete panels as the lateral-force-resisting system for a steel framed structure. Compared with traditional methods of lateral force resistance systems, the savings in structural steel resulting from the use of the enclosure system as the lateral-force-resisting system can be significant. While the design, fabrication, and installation of the enclosure system is more complex when used as the building’s lateral-force-resisting system, which results in additional precast concrete costs, the costs are generally less than the subsequent savings in the structural frame costs.
