Mode acceleration-based response spectrum approach for nonclassically damped structures

The paper describes the development of a mode accleration-based response spectrum approach for calculating the seismic design response of the nonclassically damped structures. The response is divided into a pseudo-static part and a dynamic part. The pseudo-static part is calculated by a simple static analysis of the structure for the inertial forces, induced by a unit ground acceleration, applied statically. The dynamic part, of course, pends upon the dynamic characteritics of the structure which are defined in terms of the complex-valued modal characteristics. The correlation between the pseudo-static and dynamic components is properly considered. The design ground input in this approach is defined in terms of the relative acceleration and relative velocity response spectra. The proposed approach has the desired attribute of the mode acceleration approach as the response can be accurately calculated even if only a first few modes are used in the analysis. The approach is computationally more efficient than the convenionally used mode displacement approach. The applicability of the approach is verified by numerical simulation results.