NEHRP Clearinghouse
- Title
- Frequency Domain Identification of Structural Models from Earthquake Records.
- File
- PB80194301.pdf
- Author(s)
- McVerry, G. H.
- Source
- National Science Foundation, Washington, DC. Engineering and Applied Science., October 1979, 224 p.
- Identifying Number(s)
- EERL-79-02
- Abstract
- The usefulness of simple linear mathematical models for representing the behavior of tall buildings during earthquake response is investigated for a variety of structures over a range of motions including the onset of structural damage. The linear models which best reproduce the measured response of the structures are determined from the recorded earthquake motions. A systematic frequency domain identification technique is developed to determine the optimal models. The periods, dampings, and participation factors are estimated for dominant structural modes in the measured response. A method is developed to identify a single linear model appropriate for the entire response, or to approximate the nonlinear behavior exhibited by structures with a series of models optimal for different segments of the response. The study investigated earthquake records obtained from ten structures ranging in height from seven to forty-two stories. The maximum response amplitudes ranged from approximately 0.025g to 0.40g. Very small amplitude responses were reproduced well by linear models with fundamental periods similar to those measured in vibration tests. The close reproductions of measured motions confirm the accuracy of linear models with only a few modes for representing behavior during earthquake response of tall buildings in which no structural damage occurs.
- Keywords
- Damage assessment; Earthquake resistant structures; Mathematical models; Dynamic response; Earthquake engineering; Theses; Frequency distribution; Earthquakes; Dynamic structural analysis