Abstract: Structures and components may enter a nonlinear stage in a strong earthquake, and the precise prediction for the nonlinear behavior of structures in earthquakes is important to assess the earthquake resistant safety of the structures. In this paper, the nonlinear analysis based on a macroscopic element for different components such as CFRP concrete components, pre-stressed components and shear walls are carried out. The comparison between the analysis results and that of experiments indicated that the nonlinear analysis based on macroscopic elements can precisely simulate the nonlinear behavior of concrete components. The fiber element can also precisely simulate the nonlinear behavior of the whole structure, which is indicated through a numerical analysis of a shake-table test of a full scale steel frame. The feasibility of simulating the nonlinear behavior of the whole structure by macroscopic elements is verified through numerical comparisons between analysis results and experiments results. At last, the engineering applications indicate that a macroscopic element is practical in engineering.