A PUSHOVER ANALYSIS ALGORITHM BASED ON MULTIPLE POINT CONSTRAINTS

This paper proposes a new numerical method for pushover analysis. By using multiple point constraints, the lateral force distribution is maintained and displacement-controlled pushover analysis is achieved. The method is derived from the principle of virtual work and the rigidity of multiple point constraint. It is applicable to both elastic and inelastic structures. The proposed pushover analysis method can be implemented with user-defined subroutine interfaces of finite element software MSC.MARC. The outstanding performance of the method is then demonstrated using monotonic and cyclic pushover analysis of reinforced concrete structures. The evolution of deterioration from onset to eventual member and structural failure can be tracked, suggesting that the proposed method is a powerful tool offering complete pictures and considerable insight into pushover performance and collapse mechanism of structures.