Abstract
This paper focuses on the methodology for modeling the dynamic behavior of steel structures due to severe earthquake ground motions. The development of the Improved Applied Element Method for analyzing the entire behavior of large-scale steel structures up to total failure is briefly discussed. The main features of the method are illustrated. The presented case-studies show different collapse mechanisms of moment-resistance steel frame structure under severe ground motions. The results show high capability on simulating the observed damage of many steel structures due to recent earthquakes.
