THE MUTO METHOD

The Muto method is used to solve approximately for the

porticoes of buildings composed of beams and orthogonal columns, subjected
the lateral loads produced by the wind or earthquakes. The method includes
in a certain way, the deformation due to bending of the bars, with which, the
the results obtained are much more accurate than the calculated ones
through the Portal or Cantilever method, and can even be used
for the design of mid-rise structures, where the effects of the
axial deformation is negligible.

LATERAL RIGIDITY

Let's assume the following fixed column, subjected to a displacement.

lateral

For balance: V =12E I/h 3

Being: kc=I/ hKo

( )
Ko
It is obtained:
V = 12E kc
h2

Multiplying by: a=1

( )
Ko
V = 12E (akc)
Result: h2
Absolute Lateral Rigidity (K or Da) is defined as that force
shear (V) able to cause a relative unit lateral displacement
between the extremes of the column, under this definition it is obtained:

( )
V Ko
Absolute Lateral Rigidity =
K=Yes= = 12E acc=Do ( a k c)=Do D
d h2

Where is the so-called Standard Lateral Stiffness (with units of

force per length, usually tons per cm) calculated as:

Standard Lateral Rigidity= Do=12EKo/h 2

The Standard Lateral Stiffness depends on the height of each column, but,
as usually the columns that make up an intermediate floor have the
same height, then those columns will have the same Do value. On the other hand
side, the Relative Lateral Stiffness (dimensionless) is defined as the value:

K
Relative Lateral Stiffness= D= =a Kc
Do

The coefficient 'a' takes into account the degree of embedding that has the
column at its ends; in the case that the column is well fixed
(very rigid beams) the value of 'a' is 1. On the other hand, if the column is
"a" biarticulated is zero (it has no lateral stiffness, or it does not oppose resistance to
lateral displacement); on the other hand, if the column is hinged at its
base (for example, footing on very soft ground) and embedded in its
upper extreme (rigid beams). It will be demonstrated that "a" is ¼.

3EI δ
V= =12E Ko Kcδ/(4 h 2 )
For balance: h3
 12E Ko
Do=
Being: h2

1
Result: V =Do( Kc)δ
4

With which: K=
V
δ
=Do ( 14Kc )
As: K=Do( a K c )

It is concluded that: a=1/4

It should be noted that even though the column is articulated at its base, in the
Muto's method always works with a flexural rigidity coefficient.
kc = I / (h Ko).

The value "a" is between 0 and 1. 0 ≤ a ≤ )1and the maximum stiffness

lateral (K) is obtained when the column is fixed; if that column
is articulated at its base (for example, by the formation of a kneecap
Plastic K is reduced by 75%, and if it were then articulated at its end.
superior, K degrades by 100%, turning the system into a
unstable mechanism (Fig. 6.4).

As lateral stiffness has been defined, it should be that it results

dependent on the acting lateral loading system; however, Muto
concludes that in the frames composed of beams and columns, the
The distribution and magnitude of lateral loads do not affect the value of K.
for example, if the displacement and force were calculated using Cross
shear in column "A" of the portal shown in Fig. 6.5, for two
charge states, it turns out that K1=K2=K.
That is, the variables that play the greatest role in the calculation of K are
the elastic and geometric properties of the column, as well as the degree of
the embedding it has at its ends. This is not true for the case of
Plates, whose lateral stiffness strongly depends on the distribution that
they adopt the lateral loads.

CALCULATION OF THE COEFFICIENT 'a'

Through a series of comparisons against obtained results

through matrix methods, Muto recommends using the following
formulas to calculate "a":

Columns Belonging to Upper Intermediate Floors Above the First

Observations:

a.- Yes As K → ∞ then a=1

b.- The method is valid only whenk≥0.2 , otherwise, the formula

the result is imprecise. The value k is less than 0.2 when the beams are very
flexible in relation to the column (flat beams), or when the column
tries to transform into a plate.
Subcases for the Columns of the First Floor

a.- Semi-embedded Base

Apart from the existence of foundation beams (VC), the stiffness provided by the
piles or the foundation soil (Kθ) is considered through the expression:

Kz=Kθ/(4EKo)

When the base of the column is partially embedded, the value obtained
of "a", it must be lower than the case in which the base is embedded (subcase
b
 2. CALCULATION OF DISPLACEMENTS AND SHEAR STRESSES.
PARALLEL COLUMNS

The condition for a set of columns to be arranged in

parallel is that its relative displacement (M must be unique. This happens in the
buildings composed of axially rigid floor slabs (lightweight or slabs
solid masses), referred to as "rigid diaphragms", where there is monolithism.
between the beams and the slab (since the concrete of both elements is poured in
simultaneously), the beams will also be axially rigid.

Studying any mezzanine of the portico shown in Fig. 6.6, and

calling Q to the interlayer shear (value known from force equilibrium
(laterals), the aim will be to reduce the set of columns to a single axis.
vertical, whose floor rigidity is the sum of the lateral rigidities of
the columns that make up that mezzanine.

How We=kiδ , then Q=V1+V2+V3=K1δ+ K2δ+ K3δ=δ ∑ Who, of

which can be obtained:

∑
δ=Q/ Ki

Then, the shear force in each column is calculated as:

Ki/ ∑
What
We=Kid=Q¿

That is, each column absorbs shear force in proportion to its stiffness.
lateral. On the other hand, it can be observed that the displacement of the intermediate floor

( δ They can be obtained if the portal is modeled as a single vertical axis,

whose floor stiffness is ΣKi.

3. PORCHES WITH MEZZANINE AND INTERMEDIATE BEAMS.

COLUMN IN SERIES
The condition for two or more columns (located one over the other)
they are arranged in series is that the shear force in them is unique, which
What it implies is that the acting force at the height of the level that separates the
columns is null. This system can be reduced to a single column
equivalent of double height in the following way:

V
On the first floor: V1=V =K1δ1→δ1=
K1

V
On the second floor: V2=V =K2δ2→δ2=
K2

V V 1 1
Then: ∆=d1+δ2= + =V( + )
K1K2 K1K2

From which: K=
V
∆
=1
[1
+
K1K2
1
]
1
In general, for series columns, it is established: K=1/ ∑ ( )
K1

This case of series columns can occur in portals with

Mezzanine, where at the height of the Mezzanine the mass is small, as well as
the seismic acceleration, with which, the inertia force at that level is
practically negligible compared to those existing at the levels
superior. It can also appear in porticos with an intermediate beam in
the mezzanine, which serves as support for the rest of a staircase, when being
on its small mass, the inertial force will be practically zero at that level.
 Determination of Efforts

Knowing the shear that a column absorbs (V), Muto provides a ...
Tables (see annex) that allow locating the position of the inflection point
(PI). Then, following a similar process to that explained for the method of
Portal, the efforts are determined:

a.- Plot the CDF in the columns.

b.- Calculate the moments in the beams, distributing the moment.

unbalanced in the knots in proportion to the stiffnesses of the beams (kv), and
Graph your DMF.

c.- Determine the shear force in the beams by equilibrium.

d.- Evaluate the axial force in the columns.

Location of the Inflection Point (IP) in the Columns

This point is located at a height measured from the base of the column.
equal to "y h ", the value "y" is determined as y = yo + y1 + y2 + y3; where
"yo" is at the standard height of PI, "y1" is a correction for variation of
rigidities of the beams, while 'y2' and 'y3' correspond to
corrections for height differences between consecutive floors. As
Usually the floors are typical, only 'I' is calculated.
 Standard Height of the PI (yo h), Table 1 A

Muto elaborated Table 1 A, assuming that the heights of the intermediate floors were
equal, as well as that the rigidities of the beams did not vary and that the
the distribution of lateral forces was triangular.

The calculation of 'I' is performed on each vertical axis of columns.

To enter Table 1 A, it is necessary to know how many levels the axis has.
from the column under analysis, on which floor it is located and the value of k.

- Correction “y1”. Table 2.

This correction is made only when the beams that reach the end
The superior (A) of the column have different flexural rigidity than the inferior ones.
(B). To calculate "y1" it is necessary to determine the parameter a1 and k, for
then enter Table2, noting that:

If a1 = 1 y1=0 (it is the usual thing).

For the first floor, 'y1 = 0' unless the base is partially embedded.

If a1 > 1, enter Table 2 with the inverse of a1 and change from

sign of the value "y1"; it is
 say, the PI runs downwards.

- Corrections 'y2', 'y3'. Table 3

These corrections are made when the upper or lower column is

that is under study, they have different heights; for this, it is necessary
calculate the parameters a2, a3, and k. Observations:

If a2 = 1 then y2 = 0

-If a3 = 1 -> y3 = 0

For first floor columns -> y3 = 0

For columns of the top floor → y2 = 0

4. APPLICATION EXAMPLES

4.1. Solve the portal shown in the figure. Assume:

E = 210 tons/cm²

Beams: 30 x 60 cm

Columns: 30 x 45 cm

Ko = 760cm³

BENDING RIGIDITY COEFFICIENT (k)

 k = I / (L Ko)

Column with labeled base:

kc = 30x45³ / (12x200x760) = 1.5

Beams:

kv = 30x60³ / (12x600x760) = 1.18

ABSOLUTE LATERAL RIGIDITY (K):

D = a kc

K = D Do (ton/cm)

Do = 12 E Ko / h²
For h = 300 cm → Do = 12x210x760/300² = 21.28ton/cm

For h = 600cm -> Do = 12x210x760/600² = 5.32 ton/cm

For h = 200cm → Do = 12x210x760/200² = 47.88 ton/cm

-CALCULATION OF δ. Working with the concepts of columns in parallel and in

series:

0.57 cm
0.37 cm

CALCULATION OF “y”, “Vi = Ki δi = Q Ki/ Ki

DMF (ton-m)

Had there been a force (F1) applied at the height of the Mezzanine of
previous example, it would be necessary to proceed by applying the equations of
equilibrium and compatibility of displacements to calculate δ1 and δ2, such that
as illustrated below.

SECTION A-A: F2 + F3 = V2 + V3 = K2 δ2 + K3 (δ1 + δ2) …. (1)

SHEET B-B: F1 + F2 + F3 = V1 + V3 = K1 δ1 + K3 (δ1 + δ2) …. (2)

From (1) Y (2), δ1 + δ2 is isolated; then, the shear force that each absorbs
the column is calculated by applying: Vi = Ki δi

It is worth mentioning that this problem turned out to be somewhat complicated to analyze,
due to the intention to study a series of particular cases such as
they were: a structure with mezzanine, articulated base and columns of
different heights; however, for conventional cases it is very
simply apply the Muto method, as will be seen in the second example.

4.2 Applying the Muto method, analyze the resolved portal using the
methods of the Portal and Cantilever.
Assume:

Beams: 0.3 x 0.5 m

Cols.: 0.3 x 0.4 m

Ko = 0.0004 m³

E = 2,000,000 tn/m²

Do = 12 E Ko / h²

for h = 3 m:

Do = 1067 ton/m

for h = 4m:

Do = 600 ton/m

In this case, there are no corrections y1, y2, y3; that is: y = yo.

Note: When there is no significant change between the floor heights

consecutive (Less than 30%) and when the value k≥1 it can be observed
in Table 3 of the Annex that y2 = y3 = 0
5. ATTACHMENT

TABLE 1A - STANDARD HEIGHT OF THE INFLECTION POINT

(I).

N = number of levels of the axis of the column under analysis.

TABLE 2 – CALCULATION OF “y1” CORRECTION FOR VARIATION

IN THE RIGIDITIES OF THE BEAMS.
Note
For the first floor: y1=0, unless the base is
semi-inset.
When a1>1, you enter table 2 with the inverse of a1 and to
result (y1) is given to you
changes sign, this means that the inflection point is
move to the side
of the less rigid beams, in this case downward.

TABLE 3 – CALCULATION OF “y2” and “y3” CORRECTION FOR

Variation of the Ceiling Height
Notes:
a) When a2=1 then y2=0
b) When a3=1 -> y3=0
c) For the first floor.
y3=0
d) For the last floor → y2 = 0