The classic methods to combine modal responses to obtain total response are: 1.

- Absolute Sum: R=SUM abs(Rij); this tend to overestimate the response, it is very conservative. 2.- SRSS; it is accurate when the modes are well separated but has an objection: under estimate the response when the modes tend to have similar frequencies and reach their maximum value almost simultaneously. 3.- Mixed Method, were the absolute sum is used when two modes frequencies are within 10% of each other, otherwise use SRSS; this method is designed to overcome the objection in SRSS empirically. 4.- CQC is used to overcome the SRSS objection basing the calculation on what would arise for a stationary random response.

If the frequencies are widely-spaced, the CQC and SRSS methods will give almost identical results. If the frequencies are closely-spaced, the CQC results are generally MUCH more accurate than the SRSS results. It should be kept in mind that CQC results can be HIGHER or LOWER than the SRSS results; however, the CQC results will be more accurate. In general, for any complicated structure, closely-spaced frequencies will definitely be found. SRSS method should not be used at all. In some very rare situations, some response quantities calculated using SRSS may be more accurate than those calculated using CQC. So, CQC does not always *guarantee* better results. Those interested can refer to the book "Response Spectrum Methods" by Dr. Ajaya K. Gupta of North Carolina State University, in addition to the references cited below. Hope this clarifies this issue better. Dr. Ravi Sinha On Fri, 28 May 1999, Ali Bakhshi wrote: > Dear colleagues, > > With full respect to all who correctly pointed out some useful comments, > you may have a look at the followin papers for further details, of course > there are many other else. Just keep in mind that the CQC appears much > superior when the torsional modes are among the dominated modes, i.e. 1st > 3-5 modes. This may be caused by closedly-spaced modes and/or specific plan > irregularity. > > 1. Eidinger, J. M.; Kok, S. B.; Murray, T. "Practical application of CQC > modal combination technique for a fuel reprocessing plant", Transactions of > the 8th International Conference on Structural Mechanics in Reactor > Technology, North-Holland Physics Publishing, Amsterdam, 1985, pages > 515-522, Vol. K(a), Paper K 11/1 > > 2. Cheng, F. Y.; Ger, Jeng-Fuh "Maximum response of buildings to > multi-seismic input", Dynamics of Structures: Proceedings of the Sessions > at Structures Congress '87 Related to Dynamics of Structures, American > Society of Civil Engineers, New York, 1987, pages 397-410

> > 3. Amini, A.; Trifunac, M. D. "A statistical basis for spectrum > superposition in response to earthquake excitation", Proceedings of the > Eighth World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Prentice-Hall, Inc., > Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1984, pages 179-186, Vol. IV, > > 4. Sinha, R.; Igusa, T. "CQC and SRSS methods for non-classically damped > structure", Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics, 24, 4, Apr. 1995, > pages 615-619. >