An alternative linearization approach applicable to hysteretic systems

•An alternative method is proposed for linearization of nonlinear elements.•The method is applicable to restoring forces being governed by differential equations.•Linearization of Bouc–Wen hysteretic model in its general formulation is considered.•The results show that the method is efficient in analyzing weakly nonlinear systems.

In this paper a method is proposed for equivalent linearization of nonlinear restoring forces being governed by differential equations in weakly nonlinear systems. These types of restoring forces cannot be linearized by employing conventional approximate approaches. Two analytical examples are used to show the accuracy of the proposed method. The application of the method to hysteretic systems is examined by constructing equivalent linear representation for Bouc–Wen model in its general formulation. Numerical investigations reveal that the proposed method is efficient in dynamic behavior analysis of weakly nonlinear hysteretic systems.