Comparison of nonlinear static methods for the assessment of asymmetric buildings

Traditional nonlinear static methods, e.g. the original version of the N2 method implemented in Eurocode 8, are not always effective in the assessment of asymmetric structures because of the errors committed in the evaluation of the torsional response. To overcome this shortcoming, two methods have recently been suggested by Kreslin and Fajfar (Bull Earthquake Eng 10(2):695-715, 2012) and Bosco et al. (Earthq Eng Struct Dyn 41:1751-1773, 2012). In particular, the method proposed by Kreslin and Fajfar adjusts the results of the nonlinear static analysis by means of those of a standard modal response spectrum analysis. In the method proposed by Bosco et al., the researchers suggested the use of two nonlinear static analyses characterized by lateral forces applied to different points of the deck. In this paper, the two improved nonlinear static methods and the original N2 method are applied to predict the maximum dynamic response of single- and multi-storey systems subjected to artificial and recorded accelerograms. The results highlight that the improved nonlinear static methods provide estimates which are more accurate than those of the original N2 method. Further, the comparison of the results identifies the range of the structural properties within which the original N2 method is still reliable and the range within which one of the two improved methods should be preferred.