Review on Seismic Performance Evaluation of a G+15 Steel Frame Building using Pushover Analysis

Abstract

The present study investigates the seismic performance of a G+15 steel moment-resisting frame using nonlinear static (pushover) analysis. The analysis was carried out in STAAD.Pro V8i SS4, following FEMA-356 and ATC-40 guidelines to evaluate inelastic behavior and performance level under seismic loading. The structure was modeled in accordance with IS 1893 (Part 1):2016 and IS 800:2007, and subjected to incrementally increasing lateral loads in both X and Z directions. The pushover capacity curve revealed a peak base shear of 8,416.24 kN at a roof displacement of 74.29 mm, beyond which stiffness degradation and loss of stability were observed. During the final load increments, column 643 failed in deformation-controlled action, while columns 642 and 644 failed in force-controlled action with interaction ratios exceeding 1.0, indicating the onset of localized yielding and strength exceedance. The structural response achieved the Life Safety (LS) performance level, demonstrating satisfactory ductility and energy dissipation before collapse. The study confirms that pushover analysis provides an effective, computationally efficient means of assessing the nonlinear seismic capacity of high-rise steel buildings, aiding in the development of performance-based seismic design and retrofitting strategies.

Introduction

Seismic Safety of High-Rise Steel Structures:

• Increasing attention is on performance-based seismic design for high-rise steel frames.

• Traditional elastic analysis is insufficient for capturing inelastic deformations and local failures under strong earthquakes.

Pushover Analysis:

• A nonlinear static method used to estimate structural performance under seismic loads.

• Helps visualize yielding, hinge formation, and collapse sequences in structures.

• Provides insights into base shear, roof displacement, story drift, and hinge rotation.

• Offers a simplified approximation to nonlinear dynamic time-history analysis.

• Commonly used for multi-storey steel frames, providing data for safe and economical design according to codes like IS 1893:2016 and IS 800:2007.

Objectives of Current Study:

• Assess capacity, ductility, hinge performance, and overall seismic performance of a G+15 steel moment-resisting frame using STAAD.Pro V8i SS4.

• Identify critical members, hinge development, and performance levels per FEMA-356 and ATC-40 guidelines.

Purpose of Pushover Analysis:

• Captures response characteristics not available from linear analyses, such as:

  1. Force and deformation demands on brittle and ductile elements.

  2. Identification of critical regions with high deformation demands.

  3. Strength discontinuities affecting dynamic behavior.

  4. Inter-story drift estimates considering P-Delta effects.

Steel as a Construction Material:

• Strong, lightweight, ductile, and easy to fabricate.

• Suitable for high-rise structures and earthquake-prone areas.

• Applications include load-bearing members, trusses, bridges, and protective structures.

Key Steps in Pushover Analysis:

• Incremental application of lateral loads in prescribed patterns (triangular, uniform) until collapse.

• Records formation of cracks, plastic hinges, and failure sequences.

• Iterative process allows identification and rectification of structural deficiencies.

• Evaluates force-displacement relationships, capacity curves, global and local response, and critical regions.

Literature Review Highlights:

• Pushover analysis is widely used globally for steel and RC structures, often compared with time-history or dynamic analyses.

• Studies confirm pushover analysis effectively predicts plastic hinge formation, base shear, roof displacement, inter-story drifts, and weak links in the structure.

• Research also explores advanced systems like bracing, dampers, base isolation, and high-strength steel frames to enhance seismic performance.

• Iterative analysis enables retrofitting and performance optimization in irregular or complex structures.

Overall Insight:

• Pushover analysis is a practical, computationally efficient method to assess seismic performance.

• Steel moment-resisting frames, especially with advanced bracing or damping, offer high ductility and energy dissipation.

• Research contributes to safer, performance-based design practices for high-rise steel buildings in seismic regions.

Conclusion

The nonlinear static pushover analysis of the G+15 steel frame structure provided a clear understanding of its seismic performance and deformation characteristics. The capacity curve indicated that the building exhibited a linear response up to approximately 25 mm of roof displacement, after which nonlinear behavior became dominant. The maximum base shear of 8416.24 kN was attained at a displacement of 74.29 mm, marking the ultimate capacity of the structure. Beyond this stage, a reduction in base shear signified the onset of stiffness degradation and potential instability. The formation of plastic hinges in column members 642, 643, and 644 confirmed localized yielding prior to global collapse. Column 643 reached a deformation-controlled failure, while columns 642 and 644 exhibited force-controlled failures, indicating critical zones of combined axial and flexural stress exceedance. The structure demonstrated stable ductile behavior up to the Life Safety (LS) performance level as per FEMA-356, reflecting adequate energy dissipation and lateral strength for design-level earthquakes. Overall, the study highlights that pushover analysis is an effective and computationally efficient method for evaluating the seismic performance of high-rise steel buildings. The results emphasize the need for detailed performance-based design and targeted retrofitting of critical elements to enhance ductility and prevent progressive collapse in future seismic events.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Prabhanshu Mishra, Rakesh Kumar Grover. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.