Abstract
The choice of proper time step is very important in solving nonlinear structural dynamic problems with proper integration precision and reasonable computational efficiency. In thispaper, a program is developed, with MATLAB, adopting an adaptive time integration strategy to analyze the dynamic responses of bridge piers. The time step in each time instant can be adjusted automatically according to the modal components of dynamic behavior of the system. The influences of some important controlling parameters on the computation accuracy are studied. It can not only assure the accuracy and keep valuable information but also improve the computational efficiency considerably.
