Sequential analysis coupled with optimized substructure technique modeled on 3D-frame construction process

•Sequential analysis is coupled with substructure technique keeping full accuracy.•Minimal computational demand is achieved by a substructure optimized-sizing model.•Three 3D-frames are considered in order to validate the optimized-sizing model.•Respective contributions of various loads are evaluated in a realistic situation.•Earthquake is also taken into account in the sequential analysis.

This paper deals with sequential analysis coupled with an optimized substructure technique modeled on 3D-frame construction process. This model handles the hypothesis that any subpart of the entire structure can be constructed at a time. On a realistic 3D-frame building, permanent gravity load (dead load), variable gravity loads (construction load, live load) and non-gravity loads or effects (time dependence, temperature, and earthquake) are either applied sequentially or following the conventional method. Their individual contributions on bending moments, key of design, are investigated. To implement this analysis, some additional computational efforts can be justified. However, an optimized procedure using substructure technique is proposed, based on a smart but simple choice of the substructure size. The proposed procedure tends to minimize the required memory used while reducing the required time as well. The sequential analysis as presented herewith reveals many salient features and more accurate results that should be employed in analyzing buildings, more so tall ones.