On the computation of seismic energy in inelastic structures

The explicit computation of energy balance for structures subjected to seismic excitation is useful to assess the accuracy with which dynamic equilibrium is achieved in each time-step. Examples on the use of the energy balance concept are presented in the first part of this paper for simple inelastic structures excited by various ground motions. It is shown how the energy approach can guide the designer in appreciating the nonlinear behaviour …