| Abstract: | A large number of high quality strong-motion records of building response are obtained from recent earthquake events in California. The accelerometers are typically deployed at several levels from the basement up. In order to learn as much as possible about the building behaviour from these records, a multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) system identification procedure is implemented to analyse these records in a systematic way. The procedure is an extension of the least-square-output-error method applied to a classically damped linear second order system. The time varying behaviour is modelled through a time window approach. The procedure includes (i) preliminary record analysis, (ii) input and model selection, (iii) parameter identification and (iv) drift analysis. The records of a 15-storey reinforced concrete building obtained during the Whittier earthquake are analysed. It is found that the fundamental period is much longer than that of a regular building. The torsional response is significant and is caused by both the translational and the torsional motions at the ground level. The maximum drift occurs at the ground storey. The second and the third translational modes in each direction are as important as the first modes in making up the ground storey drift. When the maximum drift occurs in one direction the corresponding drift in the orthogonal direction can be as high as 30 per cent of the maximum drift. |
