The Role of a Rigid Core in Resisting Lateral Loads and Stabilizing Tall Buildings In the structural engineering of tall buildings, lateral load resistance is one of the most critical aspects of design. Wind and seismic forces, which increase in intensity with building height, can induce significant sway, drift, and instability if not properly managed. One of the most effective strategies for countering these forces is the use of a rigid core system. A rigid core—typically a centrally located, v