Seismosoft | Earthquake Engineering Solutions

Dear Seismosoft,

I am analyzing a 2D structure using Dynamic time-history analysis and getting different values of peak base shear everytime by only changing time step in Time history stages. Can u please tell me how to select time step for various type of structures.

Best Regards.

Most dynamics texts will recommend that the selected time step be no more than either of the following:

1. The time step of the input acceleration history
2. One-tenth of the smallest natural period of significance

Remember, however, as you are hopefully aware from the SeismoStruct Help system, that the algorithm adopted by SeismoSoft allows for automatic adjustment of the time step for improved accuracy and efficiency. See the various parameters under the "Iterative Strategy" tab under "Project Settings" and the Help system for each of these parameters for more discussion on this.

Best of luck awnurn.