An identification methodology for a class of hysteretic structures

This paper presents a method of identification for determining non‐linear dynamic models for certain hysteretic structures. Particular attention is given to modelling and identifying the hysteretic behaviour of structures from strong‐motion earthquake data. In this method, the response is separated into mode‐like components which are analogous to those of a linear system. Based on modelling of the generalized restoring force of each mode‐like component, both non‐hysteretic and hysteretic non‐linear models are incorporated into the general methodology. A non‐hysteretic model provides an initial estimate for a final hysteretic model. The approach is applicable even when data are available from only a small number of locations in the structure. The structural model identified from this method provides a means to predict the response to future events and, ultimately, to examine the damage to a structure as a result of an earthquake.