Forecast models for damping and vibration periods of buildings

Abstract The building's dynamic parameters (vibration periods, damping) are examined in three sequential phases: (a) the study of physical-theoretical aspects and of the existing forecast models; (b) the collection of a broad experimental data base; (c) the definition of new simple forecast models. The bending and torsion periods are, with a good approximation, related to the height of the building. The damping resuting from low intensity vibrations follows Rayleigh's law; growth of the damping due to the increase of vibration amplitude depends on the structural material. The confidence intervals are supplied to all proposed models with the scope of defining cautionary criteria for application in the codes.