Explicit and implicit method in nonlinear seismic analysis

Abstract

The paper deals with suitability of use of the explicit and implicit method in heavily nonlinear seismic analysis. Considering typical time of duration of earthquakes from several seconds to approximately twenty seconds, it would seem that use of the implicit method is definitely more suitable. The shape of accelerograms, however, requires quite short time steps. For the explicit method, on the other hand, very short time steps are required in order to obtain a stable solution. Both methods must be compared with respect to a heavily nonlinear response, typical for seismicity. Conclusions of the paper are made on the basis of detailed numerical study and may be very useful for practice.