Influences of load pattern selection and higher modes on pushover analysis for R.C. structures

Load pattern selection is one of the critical issues in pushover analysis (POA) when the influence of higher modes is evident. In terms of interstory drift, comparisons between the nonlinear time history analysis (NL-THA) and the pushover analysis (POA) were conducted for three typical RC frame buildings under a variety of ground motion levels. Eight typical earthquake inputs, including four earthquake records and four artificial earthquake waves, were employed as the input of NL-THA; five typical lateral load patterns were considered in POA. By means of modal participation factor, the higher mode effect in POA was quantified considering floor numbers and the ground motion intensity. Suggestions about load pattern selection in POA were provided when higher mode influence was found evident.