Time and amplitude dependent response of structures

Abstract

Abstract An understanding of the precise nature of the non‐linear response of structures is essential for future improvement of earthquake resistant design procedures. This paper presents a summary of observations of dynamic behaviour which were made on two typical modern buildings during a period of about ten years. These structures underwent numerous tests and experienced three strong earthquake ground motions. The data presented should prove useful for calibration of parameters in theoretical non‐linear models For buildings having an apparent soft‐spring‐type non‐linearity, a partial or complete recovery of the structural stiffness appears to occur following the large strains created by strong ground shaking. The rate and extent of this recovery appear to depend strongly on the strain levels throughout the excitation.