Dynamic analysis of non-planar coupled shear walls with stiffening beams using Continuous Connection Method

In this paper, the dynamic analysis of non-planar non-symmetrical coupled shear walls on a rigid foundation has been considered. The analysis deals with coupled shear walls having a finite number of stiffening beams, whose properties vary from region to region along the height. In the analysis, Continuous Connection Method (CCM) and Vlasov's theory of thin-walled beams are employed to find the stiffness matrix of the structure. The system mass matrix has been found in the form of lumped masses at the heights where the unit forces have been applied. Following the free vibration analysis, uncoupled stiffness, damping and mass matrices have been found employing the mode superposition method. A time-history analysis has been carried out using Newmark numerical integration method to find the system displacement vector for every time step. Finally, a computer program has been prepared in Fortran language and an asymmetrical example has been solved. The results have been verified via comparisons with those of the SAP2000 structural analysis program using frame method and a perfect match has been observed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.