Dynamic analysis of structures with Maxwell model

A numerical method has been developed for the dynamic analysis of a tall bu ilding structure with viscous dampers. Viscous dampers are installed betwee n the top of an inverted V-shaped brace and the upper beam on each storey t o reduce vibrations during strong disturbances like earthquakes. Analytical ly, it is modelled as a multi-degree-of freedom (MDOF) system with the Maxw ell models. First, the computational method is formulated in the time domai n by introducing a finite element of the Maxwell model into the equation of motion in the discrete-time system, which is based on the direct numerical integration. Next, analyses for numerical stability and accuracy of the pr oposed method are discussed. The results show its numerical stability. Fina lly, the proposed method is applied to the numerical analysis of a realisti c building structure to demonstrate its practical validity.