A method for estimating general displacement response of structural systems subjected to earthquake motions is formulated after spectral-response analysis with simplifying modifications based on observed dynamic nonlinear response of reinforced concrete structures.; The viability of a linear-model procedure for estimating nonlinear drifts is assessed by means of analytical and experimental data for the nonlinear dynamic response of single- and multi-degree-of-freedom systems. The analytical tests used results from numerical nonlinear dynamic analyses of systems with different hysteretic properties. Initial stiffness, base shear strength, and earthquake frequency content were the main variables. Experimental data obtained from earthquake simulations performed on small-scale reinforced concrete test structures were used to compare with drifts calculated using the proposed method. Also considered was the instrumental data obtained in a seven-story reinforced concrete building during three earthquakes.; Results indicate that the recommended linear-model procedure for estimating maximum displacement demands was satisfactory and may be used conveniently and confidently as a basis for earthquake resistant design.
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