“Exact” Three-Dimensional Linear and Nonlinear Seismic Analysis of Structures with Two-Dimensional Models

Abstract

This paper presents a modeling technique by which a complete three-dimensional (3-D) structural analysis of a structure can be performed using two-dimensional (2-D) models, and hence 2-D software. The approach includes the effect of torsion, walls perpendicular and inclined to the direction of motion as well as walls with L, T, and H shapes in plan. Diaphragm displacements are easily modeled. The method can be used with linear and nonlinear analysis. Nonlinearity in the diaphragms can also be modeled with relative ease. Furthermore, unlike the conventional analysis that requires two 2-D models, one in each direction of motion, to model the 3-D structure, this approach requires only a single model.