A Nonlinear Model to Analyze the Structures Pounding Forces During Earthquakes

The estimation of the pounding effects occurring during earthquakes is still a hot topic for structural engineers. The multi-degree of freedom models replaced of stick or single-degree of freedom models in recent years. Consequently, a fast and robust solver is required to accurately calculate the nonlinear structural behavior when the pounding forces are accounted. A sufficiently accurate impact model is required to estimate both the approach period and the restitution period during impact. In this paper, the Force Analogy Method is employed to model the physical nonlinear behavior of the structure. Also, a nonlinear viscoelastic impact element is used to model the pounding forces occurring during earthquakes. The equation of motion is written in a state-space form and integrated with variable timestep in a Simulink routine.