The N2 Method for the Seismic Damage Analysis of Rc Buildings

A comprehensive, though relatively simple, non-linear method for the seismic damage analysis of reinforced concrete buildings (the N2 method) has been elaborated. The basic features of the method are: the use of two separate mathematical models, application of the response spectrum approach and of the non-linear static analysis, and the choice of a damage model which includes cumulative damage. The method yields results of reasonable accuracy provided that the structure oscillates predominantly in the first mode. Three variants of a seven-storey building have been used as illustrative examples for the application of the method. Four different types of the analysis, with different degrees of sophistication, have been performed in order to estimate the influence of several assumptions and approximations used in the N2 method.