Approximate modal analysis of multistory symmetrical buildings with restricted inelasticity

Abstract

AbstractSimplified capacity curves are presented for modal decomposition of multistory inelastic cantilever bents. These structural systems are uniform over the height and plasticity is assumed to be restricted into the beams, since significant rotation ductility factors may be attained in these members without loss of strength. The approximate method of modal decomposition of multistory inelastic bents is based on the concept that the total response may be obtained from the contributions of equivalent nonlinear single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) modal systems, in combination with the technique of modal superposition. In particular, the contribution of the first mode equivalent inelastic SDOF system is examined, since its modal contribution is of higher importance. The response of such SDOF systems basically depends on their capacity curve, which may be formulated by using the dynamic properties (frequency, effective modal mass and mode shape) of the initially elastic bent, as well as the corresponding properties of the bent when the entire set of coupling beams is assumed to be yielded. The procedure is presented for plane cantilever bents, but it can be easily extended to symmetrical structural systems composed of different types of inelastic bents. Its application is illustrated by means of a 10‐story inelastic coupled‐wall bent subject to a strong earthquake motion, equal to 1·5× El Centro N–S ground excitation, and the results compare well with those obtained from a step‐by‐step nonlinear time history analysis of the discrete member model. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.