Exact Solution of Nonlinear Hysteretic Responses Using Complex Mode Superposition Method and its Application to Base-Isolated Structures

In this paper, the responses of the structures subjected to arbitrary ground motions are evaluated. With the problem formulated in a state-space form, an exact solution scheme capable of dealing with a variety of material cases is proposed, including cases when postyield stiffness exhibits strain-hardening, strain-softening, and elastic-perfectly plastic properties, respectively. The proposed method can provide much higher accuracy, and requires less computational effort than the traditional step-by-step integration solution technique. The reason for these advantages is discussed and the related formulas are provided. In addition, a new efficient approach is provided for evaluating dynamic response of nonlinear base-isolated structures by taking advantage of their characteristics. Two buildings excited by real earthquake and harmonic ground motions are considered in numerical examples to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.