ABSTRACT
Structural related energy is a synthetic parameter comprising both, vector quantities (stresses, displacements, velocities, accelerations) and scalar quantities (masses, damping associated parameters, elastic and plastic properties of the structures). It has to be emphasized that a synthetic quantity, as the seismic induced energy, will allow a synthetic approach to structural analysis and, most important, design. The proposed modal distribution of seismic input energy into multistory structures may constitute a useful tool in the hands of structural engineer to fulfilling basic energy criterion of designed structure: Energy dissipating capacity ≥ Energy demand. Here, energy demand is the input energy of the design (code provided) earthquake. Energy approach, as it is formulated [1], [2] will not lead to any mechanical (static and kinematic) state of a seismically acted upon structure that is specified in seismic design codes. The study refers to the energy formulations of seismic analysis of multi-story structures in its relative form. Proposed modal decompositions of seismic input energy and its components are developed and followed by numerical analysis results obtained from energy based analysis of steel multi-story structures seismically acted upon.
