Estimating peak dynamic response from pushover type analysis using a semi-empirical method

A procedure is developed in this paper that enables modification of the Modal Pushover results to predict the peak dynamic responses. Steps involved in this procedure cannot be strictly derivable from the first principle, but the resulting responses always match with the theoretical results within the elastic regime. A Generalized Single Degree of Freedom system is defined with a displacement profile derived from the maximum (regardless of sign) relative floor displacements and results of which is semi-empirically modified to predict the peak dynamic responses. Three test-beds are considered for assessment of the proposed method: (1) ten-storeyed symmetric building designed and detailed conforming to the Indian seismic code; (2) ten storey plan-asymmetric building designed and detailed per Indian seismic code; and (3) seven-storeyed existing building located in seismic Zone IV of India. Three seismic events recorded at the Large Scale Seismic Testing array in Lotung, Taiwan are used for this purpose. Distribution of the peak absolute floor acceleration and peak relative floor velocity across the height based on the proposed method is found in well agreement with those calculated using the rigorous IDA. The procedure can best be applied to the seismic safety assessment non-structural components (that are acceleration and velocity sensitive) of building adding a little cost to the routine assessment of structural components.