Seismic Response History Procedure

A Program for Nonlinear Structural Analysis

Daniel Tian Li, Ph.D.

Structural Engineer (California, S.E. 4922)
Chartered Structural Engineer (United Kingdom, MIStructE 020283787)

128 E. Santa Clara St.

Arcadia, CA 91006, USA
info@Engineers-Builders.com
Tel (626) 821 0722, Fax (626) 821 0790

1. Introduction
The Seismic Response History Procedure (SRHP) is a determined nonlinear structural
analysis software, based on the most current IBC/CBC, ASCE, ACI and AASHTO,
without probability and/or fuzzy math. The SRHP is also an open system, which the
element matrix, design criteria, and even nonlinear method, are all changeable. From
the manual example, user can find a 5 story building, under El Centro 1940 earthquake,
history procedures of story drift, equivalent base shear and later forces, and their
maximum value with its happened time.

2. Equation of Motion
The seismic analysis/design is based on the following equation of motion.

..
.
..
[ m ]{u} + [c ]{u} + [ k ]{u} = { f g} [ m ]{u g }
Where:

Fig. 2.1 Global Structural DOFs in Equation of Motion

(Eq. 2.1)

[m] = Diagonal mass matrix based on each floor diaphragm center points (selected
global DOFs), including horizontal X, Y directions, and moment of inertia. The
each floor diaphragm center points may not be at a same vertical location to keep
mass matrix diagonal.
The moment of inertia is a rigid diaphragm concept. Semirigid modeling
assumption (ASCE 7-10 12.3.1) forces the [m] to non-diagonal matrix, which
results from Complex Eigenvector modes. This software user can cut a diaphragm
to two and more, but each smaller one has to be rigid.
{u} = Displacement vector at each floor diaphragm center points, including horizontal X,
Y directions, and rotation. Typical for velocity {} and acceleration {}.
[k] = Lateral stiffness full matrix based on each floor diaphragm center points, which
concentrated from each vertical 2D frames.
{g} = Ground acceleration, including horizontal X, Y directions, and rotation, without
SRSS probability issue. User can rotate the structural locations to get maximum
responses.
To get the ground motions in a maximum direction (ASCE 7-10 16.1.3.2) is
based on Single Degree of Freedom, because any actual structural stiffness, [k],
is full matrix, which means that the two horizontal X and Y responses coupled
together. One of DOFs at one direction reached maximum response does not
mean other all DOFs maximum responses, even minimum at the same direction.
[c] = Damping matrix as follows.

[c] =

4 ( )
( ) T 1T 2 [k ]
[m] +
(T 1 + T 2 )
T1 +T 2

(Eq. 2.2)

The reasons that Eq. 2.2 has to be applied are

1. Only damping ratio of has been called out, 5%, on ASCE 7-10, 16.1.3 &
21.1.3. There are no other adapted law document for damping input. The
(Eq. 2.2) has reached the code requirement.
2. The (Eq. 2.2) is an applicable math method to solve the equation of
motion(Eq. 2.1), because structural period T1 & T2 are not constants in
nonlinear structural analysis. The T1 & T2 are changed in each time steps
after plastic hinges formed.
{fg } = Must be Zero vector. Otherwise, the equation (Eq. 2.1) cannot be solved as
classical damped system. The static gravity loads are not vectors changed on
time steps in Equation of Motion.

3. Lateral Resisting Frame

The lateral resisting frames are 2D vertical substructures.

Fig. 3.1 Substructural DOFs for a 2D Lateral Resisting Frame

The reasons to use 2D lateral resisting frame, not 3D, as substructure are
1. For steel design, the Special Moment Frame (SMF) is based on 2D requirements
of AISC 341-05 and AISC 358-05, and orthogonal moment frames sharing
common column are not permitted by 2010 CBC 2205A.5.
2. For concrete design, the biaxial bending cannot be separated. If orthogonal
moments exist con-currently, the ACI 318-08 Chapter 21 cannot be applied.

4. Finite Element
Nonlinear Beam-Column element:
1. Concrete beam/column/brace
2. Steel beam/column/brace
3. Super composite column
Linear Wall/Diaphragm element.
The following finite elements are all
changeable.
Fig. 4.1 Elastoplastic Relation ==>

TYPICAL BEAM- COLUMN ELEMENT

1

UNIT
SECTION

=
=

RC-1

( U.S. Customary System)

JOINTS
X
Y

=
=
=

i
0
16

90

E
G
A
I
k

=
=
=
=
=
=

LLeft Rigid

1.369

ft

LLeft Hinge
L

=
=

1.369
3.153

ft
ft

LRight Hinge

2.739

ft

LRight Rigid

1.369

ft

to

ft
ft

4030.50865 ksi
1550.19564 ksi
1080
in
116640 in*
1.2
, (1.2 for rectanglar section, 10/9 for circular section.)
2
12 E I k / (G A L ) =
2.82371095

<==
15%
E , Plastic Hinge ? ==>
0.15
, (100% for moment connection, 0% pinned, 0% to 100% for plastic hinge)
<==

-140.3248
16.0284
F = [Element Coordinate] = 752.9447
(kips, in)
140.3248
-16.0284
-146.4023

15%

E , Plastic Hinge ? ==>

Axial, Left
Shear

= [Frame Coordinate] =
(kips, in)

Moment
Axial, Right
Shear
Moment

0.15

0.0006
-0.0780
0.0002
0.0013
-0.0909
0.0000

1115.763618

5.99382E-13

-71868.25492

-1115.763618

-5.99382E-13

-62023.37924

5.99382E-13

10900.39978

4.40246E-12

-5.99382E-13

-10900.39978

3.79939E-12

-71868.25492

4.40246E-12

5806401.165

71868.25492

-4.40246E-12

2817789.426

-1115.763618

-5.99382E-13

71868.25492

1115.763618

5.99382E-13

62023.37924

-5.99382E-13

-10900.39978

-4.40246E-12

5.99382E-13

10900.39978

-3.79939E-12

-62023.37924

3.79939E-12

2817789.426

62023.37924

-3.79939E-12

4625016.083

[K] = [T]T [k] [T] =

(kips, in)

j
0
26

ft
ft

X
Y

X
Y

Concrete Section Design Based on ACI 318-08

Section
No.

RC-1
1

INPUT DATA & DESIGN SUMMARY

CONCRETE STRENGTH

fc'

ksi

REBAR YIELD STRESS

fy

60

ksi

Cx

36

in

Cy

30

in

FACTORED AXIAL LOAD

Pu

300

FACTORED MAGNIFIED MOMENT

VERT. REINFORCEMENT

Mu

=
#
#
=

840.9
9
9
0

SECTION SIZE

7
3

LATERAL FRAME DIRECTION

ft-k
at x dir.
at y dir.
deg

(Total 20 # 9)

Linear Stage

ANALYSIS
3500
3000
2500

2000

Pn (k)

1500
1000

500
0
-500

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

-1000
-1500

Mn (ft-k)

AT AXIAL LOAD ONLY

AT MAXIMUM LOAD
AT 0 % TENSION
AT 25 % TENSION
AT 50 % TENSION
AT t = 0.002
AT BALANCED CONDITION
AT t = 0.005
AT FLEXURE ONLY
AT PURE TENSION

Pn (k)
2967
2967
2570
2159
1830
1342
1323
866
0
-1080

Mn (ft-k)
0
790
1131
1390
1532
1674
1695
2074
1276
0

o =

2 0.85 f 'C
Ec

, E c = 57

'
f C , E s = 29000ksi

0.85 f C' 2 c c ,

o o
fC=

'

0.85 f C , for c o
s E s , for s t

fS =
, for s > t
f

for 0 < c < o

WF, Tube, or Pipe Design Based on AISC 360-05

Section

ST-1

No.

INPUT DATA & DESIGN SUMMARY

MEMBER SHAPE (WF, Tube, or Pipe) & SIZE
W24X250
< ==
STEEL YIELD STRESS

Fy =

W Shape
50

ksi

AXIAL COMPRESSION FORCE

P r = -531.06 kips, ASD

LATERAL BENDING MOMENT

Mr =

LATERAL FRAME DIRECTION

840.9 ft-kips, ASD

0

STRONG AXIS EFFECTIVE LENGTH

kL x =

WEAK AXIS EFFECTIVE LENGTH

kL y =

deg
16

ft

16

ft

Lb =

STRONG AXIS BENDING UNBRACED LENGTH

Linear Stage

16

ft, (AISC 360-05 F2.2.c)

ANALYSIS
CHECK COMBINED COMPRESSION AND BENDING CAPACITY (AISC 360-05, H1)

P r 8 M rx M ry
P r 0.2
+
+
, for
9
P
M
M
Pc
cy
c
cx

P r M rx M ry
P r < 0.2
+
+
, for

2
P
M
M
Pc
cy
c cx
Where

M rx =

840.90

ft-kips, ASD

M ry =

0.00

ft-kips, ASD

Pc = Pn / c =

2962

<

0.23

1.0

[Satisfactory]

/ 1.67 = 1773.86 kips, (AISC 360-05 Chapter E)

>

Pr

[Satisfactory]

M cx = M n / b =

3721.84 / 1.67 = 2228.65 ft-kips, (AISC 360-05 Chapter F)

M cy = M n / b =

891.67 / 1.67 = 533.93 ft-kips, (AISC 360-05 Chapter F)

>
>

M rx
M ry

[Satisfactory]
[Satisfactory]

Super Composite Column Design Based on AISC 360-05 & ACI 318-08
Section
No.

SC-1
1

INPUT DATA & DESIGN SUMMARY

CONCRETE STRENGTH

fc'

ksi

STEEL YIELD STRESS

COLUMN EFFECTIVE LENGTH

fy
KL

=
=

50
240

ksi
ft

CONCRETE SECTION SIZE

STEEL SECTION SIZE

Cx

240

in

Cy

125

in

Dx

192

in

Dy

100

in

t1

in

t2

1.5

in

t3

in

75

in

Dw

FACTORED AXIAL LOAD

Pu

= -531.1 k

FACTORED MOMENT
LATERAL FRAME DIRECTION

Mu

=
=

Linear Stage

840.9 ft-k
0
deg

ANALYSIS
80000
60000

40000
20000

Pn (k)

0
-20000

100000

200000

300000

400000

500000

-40000
-60000
-80000

Mn (ft-k)

Pn (k)

AT AXIAL LOAD ONLY

0.75

56495

AT MAXIMUM LOAD

0.75

56495

392406

AT AXIAL LOAD 46347 k

0.75

46347

416294

AT AXIAL LOAD 38312 k

0.771

38312

434233

AT AXIAL LOAD 29956 k

0.811

29956

450761

AT AXIAL LOAD 20768 k

0.85

20768

455953

AT STEEL STRAIN 0.005

0.9

8533

450477

AT AXIAL LOAD -25073 k

0.9

-25073

271881

AT PURE TENSION

0.9

-58680

Capacity Drawings

Mn (ft-k)

o =

2 0.85 f 'C
Ec

, E c = 57

'
f C , E s = 29000ksi

2
'

2 c c ,
0.85
f

C
fC=
o o

'

0.85 f C , for c o

s E s , for s t
fS =
, for s > t
f

for 0 < c < o

TYPICAL SHEAR WALL / DIAPHRAGM ELEMENT

UNIT

JOINTS

X
Y

=
=

288
120

t
E

=
=

8
3320.6

( U.S. Customary System)

2

in
in
in, (thickness)
ksi

(wc1.5 33 f'c0.5 for concrete, 29000 ksi for steel)

[K] = [k11] - [k12] [k22]-1 [k21] =

(kips, in)

[F] =
(kips)

0.25

, (Poisson's ratio)

1x

1y

2x

2y

3x

3y

4x

4y

6174.922507

-1211.24393

-956.3157582

269.7714154

-1969.676208

-963.1755491

-3248.930541

1904.648063

1x

-1211.24393

9967.162057

-74.77244726

-48.59230415

-618.6316864

-9431.3219

1904.648063

-487.2478529

1y

-956.3157582

-74.77244726

6414.402796

2892.834619

-3488.41083

-2199.430485

-1969.676208

-618.6316864

2x

269.7714154

-48.59230415

2892.834619

10749.07441

-2199.430485

-1269.16021

-963.1755491

-9431.3219

2y

-1969.676208

-618.6316864

-3488.41083

-2199.430485

6414.402796

2892.834619

-956.3157582

-74.77244726

3x

-963.1755491

-9431.3219

-2199.430485

-1269.16021

2892.834619

10749.07441

269.7714154

-48.59230415

3y

-3248.930541

1904.648063

-1969.676208

-963.1755491

-956.3157582

269.7714154

6174.922507

-1211.24393

4x

1904.648063

-487.2478529

-618.6316864

-9431.3219

-74.77244726

-48.59230415

-1211.24393

9967.162057

4y

[
] =
(in)

0.0020
0.0030
0.0040
0.0100
0.0100
0.0100
0.0100
0.0100

-35.1828
-59.6315
-30.3125
-19.1750
41.0183
86.9212
24.4770
-8.1147

1x
1y
2x
2y
3x
3y
4x
4y

1x
1y
2x
2y
3x
3y
4x
4y

5. Input Data
The input data include structural information and ground acceleration, as shown on the
following example.

Fig. 5.1 Floor Plan & Frame Elevation

SMF-COL = 30" x 36" ,20 # 9 (7 # 9 at Bending Side), 4 Legs - # 5 @ 4" O.C. (ACI 318 21.6)
SMF-BM = 24" x 36" ,9 # 9 Top 6 # 9 Bot., 5 Legs - # 5 @ 8" O.C. (ACI 318 21.6)

Gravity-COL = 24" x 24" ,12 # 8, 4 Legs - # 4 @ 12" O.C., Continued as Built.

Gravity-BM = 20" x 24" ,4 # 8 Bot., 4 Legs - # 4 @ 12" O.C., Pinned both Ends.
fc' = 5 ksi
fy = 60 ksi
Mass & Moment of Inertia per 0.125 kips/ft2
GROUND ACCELERATION (X Direction)
ACCELERATION
0.4
0.2
A/g

0
-0.2

10

15

20

25

30

35

-0.4
Time T, Seconds

Amax = -0.319 g

T=

2.040 sec

VELOCITY
20
10
V

0
-10 0

10

15

20

25

30

35

-20
Time T, Seconds

Vmax = -14.216 in/s

T=

1.580 sec

DISPLACEMENT
5
0

-5 0

10

15

20

25

30

35

-10
Time T, Seconds

Dmax = -8.346 in

T=

2.620 sec

RESPONSE SPECTRUM
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
0.60
Sa / g

0.50
0.40
0.30
0.20
0.10
0.00
0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

Period T, Seconds

Samax = 0.9167 g

T=

0.500 sec

0.05

Fig. 5.2 Input El Centro (100% at X direction & 30% at Y direction, ASCE 7-10 12.5)

6. Output Results
(1). Structural periods. The first structural period is not constant on Nonlinear
Structural Analysis. For the example of 5 story concrete building, after time step 0.82
sec, the structure changed from linear to nonlinear, and, at step 2.14 sec., the
structural period reached maximum value of 0.735 sec.
The 1 st Period
0.8
0.6
T

0.4
0.2
0
0

10

15

20

25

30

35

Time, Seconds

Fig. 6.1 History Procedure of the first structural period, T1, of the example

The damping matrix, [c], is also updated at each time steps on nonlinear stage,
although damping ratio, , constantly 5%, which this concept is matched with the
passive physical damping. It is inadequate to keep damping matrix without changes,
and the analysis results are wrong.
(2). Equivalent base shear forces. The base shear forces at each directions may
govern concrete structural design.
Equivalent Base Shear, X Direction
800
600
400
200
V

0
-200 0

10

15

20

25

30

-400
-600
-800
Time T, Seconds

Fig. 6.2 History Procedure of the Equivalent Base Shear force at X Direction

35

The maximum X direction base shear force is 692.3 kips (0.601 W) at time step 2.48
sec., which is larger than the load, 144 kips, by Equivalent Lateral Force Procedure
(ASCE 7-10 12.8).
(3). Story drifts. The story drift at each level and each direction always govern steel
structural design.
The 2 nd Story Drift, Y Direction
0.3
0.2
0.1
Drift

0
-0.1 0

10

15

20

25

30

35

-0.2
-0.3
Time T, Seconds

Fig. 6.3 History Procedure of the 2nd Story Drift at Y Direction

The maximum 2nd story drift, at Y direction, is 0.272 inch at time step 17.14 sec .The
code elastic allowable value is 0.35 inch based on Equivalent Lateral Force
Procedure (ASCE 7-10 12.8.6).
(4).Floor acceleration. The Floor acceleration at each level and each direction can be
used to design equipment mounting (special for School and Hospital).
ACCELERATION
1
0.5
A/g

0
-0.5

10

15

20

25

30

-1
Time T, Seconds

Fig. 6.4 The Acceleration at the 5th Floor on X Direction

The maximum 5th floor acceleration, at X direction, is 0.793 g, at time step 2.18
sec .The corresponding to Response Spectrum, with damping ratio of 2%, for
equipment mounting design, is shown on Fig. 6.5, which is much different with the
ground Response Spectrum on Fig. 5.2 (4).

35

The floor acceleration is bigger than ground, and the most equipment damping ratio
is 2%, not the same with building 5%, so the building code Response Spectrum may
not be directly apply to School and Hospital design.

Fig. 6.5 The Response Spectrum at the 5th Floor on X Direction

(5).Other eyes to see structure. The software can set up eyes, as many as possible,
to record structural responses, including each joint movements, section forces,
although the non-linear section forces cannot be used with linear load combinations
(IBC/CBC 1605).

7. Conclusion
For any single actual structure, the earthquake is a point history procedure of ground
three dimensional movements. Based on the real recorded X, Y, (& even vertical Z)
direction ground accelerations, this SRHP software can directly check the structure if
adequate for both capacity and deformation, without probability and/or fuzzy math
(neither SRSS/CQC, nor Scale Factor).

Reference
Li, Tian (1997). A Study on Damping Values Applied to The Time-History Dynamic
Analysis of Structures, China Civil Engineering Journal, 30 (3), 68-73.
Li, Tian, and Wu, Xuemin (1992). Elasto-Plastic Dynamic Analysis of Multistory and
Complex Structures at Multi-Dimensional Ground Accelerations, Journal of Building
Structures, P. R. China, 13 (6), 2-11.
CBC (2010). California Building Code, California Building Standards Commission,
Sacramento, CA.
IBC (2009). International Building Code, International Code Council, Washington, DC.
ASCE 7 (2010). Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE/SEI
7-10), American Society of Civil Engineers, Reston, VA.
ACI 318 (2008). Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-08) and
Commentary, American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI.
AISC 360 (2005). Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (AISC 360-05), American
Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago, IL.
AISC 341 (2005). Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings (AISC 341-05),
American Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago, IL.
AISC 358 (2009). Prequalified Connections for Special and Intermediate Steel Moment
Frames for Seismic Applications (ANSI/AISC 358-05s1-09), American Institute of Steel
Construction, Chicago, IL.
ASCE 41 (2007). Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings (ASCE/SEI 41-06),
American Society of Civil Engineers, Reston, VA.

Abbreviations
2D:

Two Dimensional

3D:

Three Dimensional

DOF:

Degree of Freedom

Gravity-BM: Gravity Beam

Gravity-COL: Gravity Column

SMF-BM:

Beam of Special Moment

Frame

SMF-COL:

Column of Special
Moment Frame

SRSS:

Square Root of Sum of

Squares

Q & A
1. Why this SRHP software results have made a big difference with others?
The SRHP software is more accurate than Modal Superposition Method, because the
Modal Superposition Method is a probability method, which always requires a Scale
Factor (ASCE 7 12.9.2, 12.9.4, & CBC 1614A.1.9) with SRSS/CQC, or even just SUM,
to reach the determined analysis results.
2. Why the structural periods have to be calculated at each time step?
The physical damping concept is a passive force/load, not constant one. When
structural stiffness (periods) changed, the damping matrix [c] has to be updated, at each
time step.
3. Why the SRHP software does not include nonlinear shear wall?
The software can input nonlinear shear wall, since opening system. But as lateral frame,
shear wall cannot be designed with plastic hinges. Based on ACI 318-08 Chapter 21,
the SD level elastic section forces are always used to check shear wall capacity if
adequate, which means that the shear wall is linear within Mn capacity. Out-of fMn
capacity, the shear wall, no matter its linear or nonlinear, cannot be as lateral frame any
more.
Shear wall may keep gravity capacity, at upper-bound seismic load, but not plastic
hinge stiffness (dog bone).
4. Why the SRHP used 2D frame, not directly 3D?
The most lateral resisting frames are built by W-Shape steel with almost zero torsional
stiffness, and/or by concrete element with brittle torsional crushing. The current 3D
element stiffness matrix (12 x 12) cannot cover them well.
Although ASCE 7-10 included 3D nonlinear section, the upper level 2010 CBC general
section 1.1.7 say that the specific provision shall apply in the event of any differences
between ASCE 7 and ACI/AISC, so the 2D frame, based on ACI 318-08 Chapter 21 and
AISC 341-05/AISC 358-05, still governs lateral design.
5. Why the SRHP does not calculate LL, Wind, & P?
Before the load combinations (IBC/CBC 1605), all loads have to be known. Also, all
load combinations are linear point combinations, not nonlinear history procedure
combinations.
This SRHP software is focus on getting correct seismic load (equivalent base shear
force) and the maximum value.

6. Why are artificial acceleration time history game?

The reasons are as follows.

..

(1).

The equation of motion (Eq. 2.1) is from [ m ]{u} + [ c ]{u} + [ k ]{u} = { P ( t )}

There are very strong assumptions that have been made, from {P(t)} to -[m] {g}.
All real recordings of acceleration time history are ground acceleration, {g},
which from a mass that not included in the [m] of equation of motion, no
matter the recording point is at ground, roof, floor, soft soil, rigid soil, mountain
top, or valley bottom.

(2).

All actual structural stiffness in the equation of motion, [k], is full matrix, which
means that all DOFs of responses coupled together. Any modification of real
recordings of acceleration time history, scale or filter, will result in some DOFs
responses inadequate.

(3).

An artificial acceleration time history has the exactly same of response spectrum,
with a real recordings of acceleration time history, only means that the two time
histories have the same PROBABILITY of only one DOF in the real structure.