Natural phenomena and human activities impose forces of time-dependent variability on structures as simple as a concrete beam or a steel pile, or as complex as a multistory building or a nuclear power plant constructed from different materials. Analysis and design of such structures subjected to dynamic loads involve consideration of time-dependent inertial forces. The resistance to displacement exhibited by a structure may include forces which are functions of the displacement and the velocity. As a consequence, the governing equations of motion of the dynamic system are generally nonlinear partial differential equations which are extremely difficult to solve in mathematical terms. Nevertheless, recent developments in the field of structural dynamics enable such analysis and design to be accomplished in a practical and efficient manner. This work is facilitated through the use of simplifying assumptions and mathematical models, and of matrix methods and modern computational techniques.
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