Nonlinear system identification based on modelling of restoring force behaviour

This paper introduces a system identification algorithm based upon modelling of the restoring force behaviour of the structure. This algorithm is more efficient than traditional algorithms based upon matching the time history of response of the structure, since error evaluation does not require the solution of any differential equations. The effectiveness of this system identification approach, in coordination with a model for deteriorating structures is demonstrated by an example using actual earthquake data from the Bank of California building which was damaged during the 1971 San Fernando earthquake.