Parametric study of inelastic earthquake response of SDOF systems

A parametric study of the inelastic earthquake response of SDOF systems has been carried out. The results of this study have been presented in the form of the mean spectra of relative displacements and input energy. In the period range 0.5-2,5 s it was found that relative displacements were, with the exception of the Friuli earthquake, not very dependent on the input motion and investigated structural parameters. Input energy appears to be a convenient parameter governing design in the predominant period range. In this range it is not very dependent on the investigated structural parameters. However, it varies noticeably for different input motions. In the case of the Friuli earthquake, where the seismotectonic elements of the geological structures seem to be different, relative displacements and especially input energy are much smaller than in the case of other earthquakes. As a consequence, the usual design procedures, based mainly on the characteristics of Californian earthquakes, would be too conservative for the Alps and for Central Europe if the Friuli earthquake was proven to be typical for those regions. (orig.)