Modal base forces in structures having a straight-line mode of vibration

The modal base forces in structures having a straight-line mode of vibration are investigated. Making use of the orthogonality relationship between the different modes, a relation between the modal base shears and base moments is found in all but the straight-line mode. This relation states that the contribution of the inertia forces to the modal overturning moments referred to the centre of rotation of the straight-line mode is identically null. The contributions of the vertical forces and lateral constraints must, however, be accounted for. For the special case of the straight-line mode being proportional to the height of each storey, the centre of rotation coincides with the base of the structure. For the case of the straight-line mode being a uniform displacement, the centre of rotation is at infinity and the contribution of the inertia forces to the modal base shears identically disappears in all but the straight-line mode.