The aim of this thesis is to study the influence of coupled buckling modes on the static and particularly on the nonlinear dynamic behavior of structural components liable to buckling. For this, two discrete two degrees of freedom models known for their complex nonlinear behavior are selected: the well-known Augusti’s model and a simplified model of cable-stayed tower. Initially, the stability analysis of the perfect models is conducted, including the identification of all pre- and post-critical equilibrium paths, and the effect of imperfections on the load capacity of the structure and stability of the various equilibrium paths. The purpose of this analysis is to understand how the various unstable post-critical solutions and imperfections influence the geometry of the potential energy surface, the contour of the pre-buckling potential well and the integrity of the structure under the inevitable external disturbances. Then the behavior of the models in free vibration is investigated, including the identification of the natural frequencies, linear vibration modes and possible internal resonance. To understand the dynamics of the models, the geometry of the safe region surrounding the pre-buckling equilibrium position and the invariant manifolds of saddle points that define this region are obtained using the tools of Hamiltonian mechanics. Also, as part of the free vibrations analysis, all stable and unstable nonlinear vibration modes and their frequency-amplitude relations are obtained. These nonlinear stable and unstable modes, which arise due to modal coupling and the symmetries of the models, control and explain the dynamics of the model under forced vibration. Based on these results, we study the behavior of the models subjected to a base excitation through a systematic study of the global and local bifurcations, and the integrity of stable solutions through the evolution and stratification of the basins of attraction and dynamic integrity measures. Finally, we study how to increase the safety of the structure through the control of global homoclinic and heteroclinic bifurcations. This thesis identifies a number of behaviors that are typical of the two models and can be understood as characteristic phenomena of structures exhibiting modal coupling. Thus the main contribution of this work is to identify certain characteristics and particular aspects of this class of structures, a first contribution to this research area.