Comparison of static pushover and dynamic analyses using RC building shaking table experiment

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to assess the accuracy and applicability of static pushover analysis (POA). The POA is widely used to estimate the structural seismic response due to its simplicity. However, the accuracy of this method still needs to be evaluated due to the inherent limitations in its theory, especially for the evaluation of structural collapse capacity problems. Meanwhile, the collapse tests are also lacking to verify the accuracy of POA when it is used to assess the structural collapse capacity. In this paper, the accuracy and applicability of the POA are evaluated through comparison with the dynamic time history analysis (THA) which validated by a ductile RC frame complete collapse shaking table test. The study compared the top displacement, the inter-story drift ratio and the curvature of column ends. It is found that the POA tends to greatly underestimate the structural responses when the structure is severely damaged and close to the collapse state. The errors increase with the development of structural damage, where the maximum error could reach more than 60%. The POA may provide incorrect judgement on the occurrence of collapse. Prudent use of POA is needed while assessing the structural seismic collapse capacity.