Simplified Approach Based on the Natural Period of Vibration for Considering Second-Order Effects on Reinforced Concrete Frames

Recent studies have demonstrated the existence of a relationship between a structures susceptibility to second-order effects and its natural period of vibration ([Formula: see text]) given that both these properties are fundamentally dependent on the structure stiffness and mass properties. The main advantage of the use of this characteristic is that [Formula: see text] can be obtained easily by the existing structural analysis software. In this study, different formulations are developed in order to propose an amplification factor ([Formula: see text]) to multiply first_order analysis results and satisfactorily obtain results of a second-order analysis. These formulations are based on D’Alembert’s principle, Rayleighs method, and the use of generalized coordinates to represent the dynamic displacement of flexible structures. It is observed that [Formula: see text] provides values closer to and in fact, more conservatively than, those obtained by the conventional simplified methods currently used by structural design engineers. Thus, the amplification factor [Formula: see text], which is based on the natural period of vibration, is proposed to be used as (i) an indicator of a structure susceptibility to second-order effects and (ii) an amplification factor to describe the second-order effects on reinforced concrete frames.