Inelastic seismic response of one‐storey, asymmetric‐plan systems: Effects of stiffness and strength distribution

Abstract The effects of plan‐wise distribution of stiffness and strength‐as determined by the number, location, orientation and yield deformations of resisting elements‐on the inelastic response of one‐storey systems are evaluated. In particular, various systems are investigated for wide ranges of parameters involved, with the objective of establishing how the response is influenced by: (i) the presence of resisting elements perpendicular to the direction of ground motion; (ii) the number of resisting elements along the direction of ground motion; (iii) the overstrength typical of code‐designed buildings; (iv) the relative values of strength and stiffness eccentricities; and (v) whether the asymmetry of the system is due to eccentricity in stiffness or in mass. The results presented for a simple excitation make it possible to explain the inconsistencies in conclusions from various earlier investigations, and to evaluate their applicability to actual buildings.