Comparative analysis of multistorey building with and without Floating Columns

Department of Civil Engineering, Vardhaman College of Engineering, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

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Published online: 3 August 2026

Abstract

The use of floating columns (FCs) in multistorey buildings has become increasingly common because of their functional advantages, particularly in urban areas where space optimization is essential. FCs free up ground-level space for open parking and vehicle access, which is a growing concern in cities. A floating column is a vertical element that rests at its lower end on a beam rather than transferring its load directly to the foundation. In seismically active regions, however, this feature poses a significant challenge, as it can make a building more vulnerable to failure. This study investigates the effect of FCs on the structural response of a multistorey building across different seismic zones. Building models with and without FCs were developed, and linear dynamic analysis was performed in ETABS, with storey drift, base shear, and storey displacement as the main parameters. The analysis followed an iterative approach: the initial beam and column dimensions were adjusted based on the results, illustrating the need for an adaptive design process to improve both performance and cost-effectiveness. The study also considered different seismic zones, including Zone III, and Type II soil conditions, which significantly influence a building’s response to seismic forces. The results showed little difference in the values for Zone II, whereas this difference increased with higher seismic zones.