An Efficient Straightforward Pushover Method for Buildings with Two-Way Unsymmetric-Plan Subjected to Two Components of Ground Motions

Abstract

ABSTRACT A straightforward pushover method is developed for unsymmetric-plan buildings under bidirectional seismic excitation. To this end, a single innovative torsional-lateral load pattern is introduced based on the response spectrum analysis. The joint contribution of two horizontal seismic excitations and the joint contribution of all considered modes to internal structural forces in forming plastic hinges are considered by implementing the single load pattern. An equivalent dominant mode shape derived from the load pattern is defined to establish capacity spectra in both directions. The accuracy of the proposed procedure in estimating the seismic demands of buildings is demonstrated through two unsymmetric-plan buildings.