Shear forces amplification due to torsion, explicit reliance on structural topology. Theoretical and numerical proofs using the Ratio of Torsion (ROT) concept

The recently introduced index Ratio Of Torsion (ROT) quantifies the base shear amplification due to torsional effects on shear cantilever types of building structures. In this work, a theoretical proof based on the theory of elasticity is provided, depicting that the ratio of torsion (ROT) is independent of the forces acting on the structure, although its definition stems from the shear forces. This is a particular attribute of other design and evaluation criteria against torsion such as center of rigidity and center of strength. In the case of ROT, this evidence could be considered as inconsistent, as ROT is a function solely of the forces acting on structural members, nevertheless it is proven to be independent of them. As ROT is the amplification of the shear forces due to in-plan irregularities, this work depicts that this increase of internal shear forces rely only on the structural topology. Moreover, a numerical verification of this theoretical finding was accomplished, using linear statistics interpretation and nonlinear neural networks simulation for an adequate database of structures.