The effective period and damping of a class of hysteretic structures

Abstract This paper presents the results of a numerical investigation in which the maximum response of six hysteretic systems is calculated for an ensemble of twelve earthquakes. Inelastic response spectra are constructed for a range of response ductility. An effective linear period and damping are calculated for each system and ductility by determining those parameters which minimize an RMS response spectrum error. Conclusions are presented concerning the effects of deterioration, stiffness degradation, cracking and ductility on the effective linear system parameters.