Multi-storey building
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A single-storey building is building consisting of a ground storey only.
See Single-storey building definition for more information.
A multi-storey building is a building that has multiple storeys, and typically contains vertical circulation in the form of ramps, stairs and lifts.
The number of storeys is determined according to the diagram below:
[Image source: Approved Document B2, ‘Fire safety: Buildings other than dwellinghouses’]
Depending on their height, multi-storey buildings may have particular considerations and requirements in relation to:
- Access and circulation.
- Fire safety and evacuation.
- Structural design.
- Ventilation.
- External air movement.
- Shading, views and right to light.
- Construction methods.
- Access for maintenance and cleaning.
[edit] Classifications
Classifications of multi-storey buildings include:
- Low-rise: a building which is not tall enough to be classified as high-rise.
- Mid-rise: buildings of five to ten storeys, equipped with lifts.
- High-rise: more than 7 to 10 storeys.
- Skyscraper: 40 storeys or more.
- Supertall: exceeding 300 m.
- Megatall: exceeding 600 m.
[edit] Structural types
The basic types of multi-storey structure (which may be used in combination) include:
[edit] Framed structure
Network of columns and connecting beams form the structural 'skeleton' of the building and carry loads to the foundations.
[edit] Propped structure
Uses a cantilever slab or platform as the seating for columns. It utilises an internal core and external propped columns.
[edit] Suspended structure
Has an internal core and horizontal floors which are supported by high-strength steel cables hung from cross beams at the top.
[edit] Cantilever structure
Has an internal core from which beams and floors cantilever. This removes the necessity for columns.
[edit] Braced structure
Bracing is used to give stability so that columns can be designed as pure compression members. The beams and columns that form the frame carry vertical loads, and the bracing system carries the lateral loads. Braced frames reduce lateral displacement, as well as the bending moment in columns, they are economical, easily erected and have the design flexibility to create the strength and stiffness required.
For more information, see Braced frame structures.
[edit] Shear wall structure
Composed of stiff braced (or shear) panels which counter the effects of lateral and wind pressures. The pressures are transmitted to the shear walls by the floors.
For more information, see Shear wall.
[edit] Core structure
Utilises a stiff structural core which houses lifts, stairs, and so on. Wind and lateral pressures are transmitted to the core by the floors.
For more information, see Shell and core.
[edit] Hull core structure
Also known as ‘tube-in-tube’ and consists of a core tube inside the structure which holds services such as utilities and lifts, as well as a tube system on the exterior. The inner and outer tubes interact horizontally as the shear and flexural components of a wall-frame structure.
For more information, see Tube structural system.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Braced frame structure.
- Buildings of a great height IGH.
- Concept structural design of buildings.
- High-rise building.
- Medium-rise building.
- Megatall.
- Multi-storey car park.
- Shear wall.
- Shell and core.
- Single-storey building definition.
- Skeleton frame.
- Skyscraper.
- Structural engineer.
- Structural principles.
- Supertall.
- Tall building.
- Tower.
- Tube structural system.
- Types of building.
- Types of structural load.
Featured articles and news
IHBC’s response to Parliamentary Committee
On Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill.
Finalists for 2022 CIOB Awards revealed
Over 70 managers and organisations shortlisted for the 14 awards.
Types of building sensors on BD
From biometric to electrical current, chemical and more.
Government mandates detectors in rented homes
Changes are due to come into force on 1st October 2022.
80% of major government projects are rated red or amber
Heed advice and insight of this report IPA tells the government.
The end of the games but continued calls for action
From the Commonwealth Association of Architects.
CIOB respond to the government call for evidence
For the Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Committee.
How are buildings and their occupants responding to extreme heat?
BSRIA's Technical Director reflects on recent weather patterns.
Landownership in England in 1909
A national valuation to fund old-age pensions.
The world’s largest Commonwealth memorial to the missing.
Long after the end of the defects liability period.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing in buildings.
Geometric form and buildings in brief
From the simple to the complex.
Understanding the changing nature of insulation
And the UK Government guidelines.
Three year action plan to improve equity, diversity and inclusion
Commitment agreed to by major built environment bodies.
The Construction Route – what needs to change?
Electrical skills, low carbon, high-tech and the building services revolution.
Deep geothermal power possibilities
Ultra-deep drilling with millimeter-wave beam technology.
BSRIA Briefing 2022- From the outside looking in
Looking at the built environment from space.
Competence requirements for principal contractors and designers
BSI standards 8671, 8672 and 8673.
Bringing life to burial grounds.
From failed modernism to twenty-minute neighbourhoods.
Design chill and design freeze
The gates process and change control.