A More Realistic Load for Prediction of the Structural Integrity

Harmonic load, with a fixed amplitude and frequency, is commonly used in the analysis of geometrically non-linear structures, such as rockable frames or bridges. However, past research has shown that non-linear systems behave much more complicated than linear systems. Consequently, insights obtained from structural analysis under harmonic loads may not properly predict the structural integrity when more complicated loads are considered. This paper proposes analysis with aperiodic loads, which have broader frequency contents. Their influence on a class of rockable frames is studied. The results show that rockable frames fail more easily under aperiodic loads. To avoid seismic failure, the frame should be designed as flexible as possible—this is an insight that cannot be obtained by only considering harmonic loads.