Abstract
The author's group has developed a method of analysis to find nonlinear earthquake response of structures by using an on-line real-time hybrid simulation system composed of an analogue computer, an 8-bit microprocessor, and full-scale steel structural members. Details of the system and the computing method of an equation of motion are described herein. Since the restoring forces of a non-linear structure are actually too complicated to assume the proper mathematical model, it is much more reasonable that the real responses of the structure are computed by using the actual restoring forces than making any assumption of hysteretic force deflecton relations. Therefore, in this system, the restoring forces obtained from the experiment of a real structural member were substituted into the term of the equation of motion. Based on this approach, the non-linear seismic behaviors of single degree-of freedom structural frame subjected to strong motion earthquakes were experimentally simulated by the foregoing system. And were investigated the relations between the non-linear responses and the natural period of the structures, of the intensity of the input accelerations.
