CE 227 Homework #6 Solutions

Adapted from Ady Aviram

Problem 17 Pushover Analysis

In this problem we carry out a static pushover analysis of the 3-story building frame. The procedure and
results obtained from SAP2000 NL structural analysis package are presented. Since steel elements usually
display maximum ductility values of 8-9 (we use 6 as a conservative value in this example) and assuming
a rotation hardening of 3%, we can define the nonlinear behavior of beam and column plastic hinge using
the Frame Hinge Property- Moment M3 in SAP2000 NL as follows:

The yield moment and rotation of the beam and column plastic hinges are automatically calculated in
SAP2000 NL, according to the corresponding section properties. The hinges are assigned to both ends of
the frame elements.
The load pattern for the pushover analysis is proportional to the first mode of the structure, which captures
around 83% of the participating translational mass of the frame, and is specified in SAP2000 NL as a separate load
case.

In problem 14 we determined the target roof displacement of the frame Sd=13.8 in (for a first-mode period
of 1.09 sec) for the response spectra corresponding to 2% in 50 yr PE hazard level. According to FEMA
350, the displacement-controlled pushover analysis will be carried out up to a limiting roof displacement
of 1.5Uroof=1.513.8=20.7 in, in order to capture the nonlinear response of the frame including the
degradation of strength or failure point. However, to capture the full behavior of the frame, it makes sense
to push the frame further than this (Im going to 50 in). If the beam and column plastic hinges are defined
correctly and approximate well the actual nonlinear behavior of these elements, the displacement and
ductility capacity of the frame, as well as its ultimate strength, can be determined from the pushover
curve. The pushover analysis case is defined in SAP2000 NL as follows:

CE 227 Homework #6 Solutions

Adapted from Ady Aviram

a. The resulting pushover curve (roof displacement vs. base shear) is presented below:

b. Equivalent SDOF system:

In problem 14 we had obtained the effective modal mass of one frame of the building:
- Effective modal mass:
k-sec2/in.
From the pushover curve for the MDOF systems we obtain the following approximate values: First
yield point (uroof,p=8 in, Vp=2150 k) and ultimate point (uroof,u=33 in, Vu=2450 k). We proceed to
calculate the remaining properties of the equivalent SDOF systems as follows:
- Displacements:
dy=6.2in, du=26in.
-

Yield strength:

Ultimate strength:

k.
k.

CE 227 Homework #6 Solutions

Adapted from Ady Aviram

Effective stiffness:

k/in.

Period (may be different from T1 due to curve fitting of pushover curve):

sec.

m=1 k-sec2/in
k=55 k/in
=5%