A practical method for proper modeling of structural damping in inelastic plane structural systems

This study addresses some of the pitfalls of conventional numerical modeling of Rayleigh-type damping in inelastic structures. A practical modeling approach to solve these problems is proposed. Conventional modeling of Rayleigh-type damping for inelastic structures generates responses in which unrealistic damping forces are present that results in underestimation of peak displacement demands, overestimation of peak strength demands, and underestimation of buildings’ collapse potential. The approach proposed in this paper avoids these problems by modeling each structural element with an equivalent combination of one elastic element with stiffness-proportional damping, and two springs at its two ends with no stiffness proportional damping.