Abstract: The implicit nonlinear dynamic time-history analysis of complex structures with a friction pendulum system is difficult to converge, and its computational efficiency is low. Based on a classical friction pendulum model, an explicit friction pendulum element with 2 nodes and 12 degrees of freedom was presented; using the modified forward Euler method, the element internal force was evaluated. The proposed element and algorithm were developed in a nonlinear finite element software with independent intellectual property rights. The correctness of the software was verified by comparing with SAP2000. The dynamic time history response of a complex connected structure with three towers was analyzed by the software. The results showed that the dynamic response of the structure was influenced by structural nonlinearity, the bearing type of the corridors and parameters of the bearing.