Step by Step Nonlinear Static (Pushover) Analysis Utilizing Sap2000

for the Verification of Seismic Design and the Response Modification

Factor of the UMC Building at El Campesino Project CL1012.
1. Linear Elastic Analysis

➢ Create the structural model and run the analysis. The analytical model shall be
defined to represent the spatial distribution of mass and stiffness of the structural
system. P delta effects shall be included in the analysis.

➢ Run the steel design, based on the design basis document and select the optimized
steel members. Recall all loading condition must be considered including but not
limited to Dead, Live, DRS (Inelastic), ROS (Elastic), etc.

2. Assign Hinges to the Frame Objects

➢ Unlock model.

➢ Select all the member types one at a time (Steel Beams, Steel Columns, Steel
Braces, etc.). This process will have to be followed for each member type.

➢ Once a member type is selected, e.g. beams. In Sap2000 use Assign > Frame >
Hinges.

➢ In the frame hinge assignment windows of Sap2000. Add auto hinge properties
located at 0 relative distances or locations where hinges are most likely to form (For
a beam, column or brace this location will be at the end of members). Note that auto
hinges can be selected from FEMA 356 or CALTRANS flexural hinge specifications.
Use FEMA 356/450 hinges based on the design basis document. Also, select the
pertaining FEMA 356 table corresponding to the member type (Steel Beam, Steel
Column, Steel Brace, etc.).

➢ For steel beam use “Table 5-6 (Steel Beam – Flexure)”. Select primary components
if is part of the primary steel. Select the degrees of freedom pertaining to the
direction of maximum load in the member. Select to drop load after point E. The
designer shall add an additional auto hinge properties following the above procedure,
but this time at 1 relative distance. This will assign hinge properties on the steel
beams at each end of the members. For additional information refer to FEMA 356
Table 5-6.

➢ For columns follow the above procedure to assign a maximum of two (2) hinge
properties at each end. The designer shall assign a hinge property corresponding to
 the degrees of freedom which results on the maximum bending stress (M3 or M2). In
addition, if the axial loads of columns exceed 15 percent of the compression strength
the designer shall assign a hinge property corresponding to the degree of freedom of
P-M2-M3. Select P values from the combo or load case that generates the maximum
axial force in the column e.g. dead load, dead + live, etc. For additional information
refer to FEMA 356 Table 5-6.

➢ For steel braces follow the above procedure to assign the hinge property at each end
of the brace. Use hinges from “Table 5-7 (Steel Braces – Axial)”. Select primary
components if is part of the primary steel. Select to drop load after point E. For
additional information refer to FEMA 356 Table 5-7.

➢ Once all members have been assign hinge properties, the designer shall verify the
hinge property calculated behavior is appropriate to the model based on FEMA
356/450.

➢ In Sap2000 use Define > Section Properties > Hinge Properties.

➢ In the define hinge properties windows of Sap2000. Select show generated props.
Select one (1) hinge at a time and verify calculated behavior by selecting
modify/show property. In the next window select modify/show hinge property. Verify
the displacement control parameters, and the acceptance criteria are in accordance
to FEMA 356/450. These software generated values are usually correct (Perform a
selective check of various hinges until designer is comfortable with software values).

3. Discretize Frame Objects

➢ Select all frame objects.

➢ In Sap2000 use Assign > Frame > Hinge Overwrites.

➢ In the frame hinge assignment overwrites windows of Sap2000. Check the auto
subdivided line object at hinge checkbox. This will discretize the members in order to
achieve better results. The use of 0.02 as discretization length is recommended.

4. Selecting a Control Point

➢ The control point shall be at the center of mass, also known as center of gravity at
the highest level of the structure.

➢ Any acceptable engineering process can be used to calculate the center of mass in X
and Y of the structure. A typical procedure using Sap2000 and Excel is provided
below for the designer’s convenience:
 o Use "Display > Show Tables" command to export, into Excel, the following
tables:
o Model Definition > Connectivity Data > Joint Coordinates > Table: Joint
Coordinates
o Analysis Results > Joint Output > Joint Masses > Table: Assembled Joint
Masses
o In Excel, calculate the location of the center of mass (com) for each
coordinate direction. Use a weighted average in which assembled
joint mass is the weight. For example, the x-coordinate of center of mass
(Xcom) can be approximated and computed utilizing the following equation:

Where:

x = x coordinate of individual joints.

m = mass of individual joints.

➢ The control point determined above will be used when assigning the pushover case
for the X and Y analysis.

5. Defining Target Displacement

➢ FEMA 356/450 defines a procedure for obtaining the target displacement which
requires the calculation of the effective fundamental period, the spectral acceleration,
and several coefficients. This procedure is very similar to the procedure outline by
Worley Parsons in a document dated January 27 of 2016. This procedure is more
tailored for the local demand in Chile. Therefore, it is recommended the use of this
procedure to compute the target displacement. The Worley Parson’s procedure (In
quotes) is provided below for the designer’s convenience:

o “The earthquake displacement demand depends on the seismicity of the

location. In the case of Chile, the earthquake displacement demand has been
defined by D.S. N° 61/2011, (governmental decree to supplement Chilean
Seismic Code NCh 433), on the basis of the records obtained in Chile during
the past 50 years, as indicated in the following. Chilean soil type D,
equivalent to ASCE 7 soil type D, has been assumed, as well as a first mode
period less than 0.90 seconds”
 Designer shall verify that the assumptions are valid prior to using the formula
below. As stated above the formula was derived assuming soil type D, as
well as a first mode fundamental period less than 0.9 seconds.

“
▪ δu = 1.3 Sd(T1)
▪ Sd(T1) = (T1)2·α·392.2 / (4π2)
▪ α(T1) = [1 + 4.5 (T1/0.75)] / [ 1 +(T1 /0.75)3 ]
Where:
δu (cm) = Target displacement at top level of structure.
Sd (T1) (cm) = spectral displacement for first mode period.
T1 (sec) = first mode period of vibration.
392.2 (cm/sec2) = 0.4 g, is the peak ground acceleration for the site.
0.75 (sec) = is a soil parameter for soil type D, (Chilean Code).
α (T1) = amplification factor of peak ground acceleration.

Note: If first mode period is larger than 0.90 but less than 1.75 seconds, an
amplification factor of 1.1(T1) should be used in the computation of Sd(T1).
”

6. Setting Dead Load Case to Nonlinear

➢ In Sap2000 use Define > Load Cases.

➢ In the define load cases windows of Sap2000. Select the dead load case and click on
Modify/Show Load Case. In the next window under analysis type select Nonlinear.
This will allow us to use this case as a starting point for the pushover analysis.

➢ It is recommended the use of 25% of the live load as part of this new load case. In
order to achieve set Live load case as nonlinear following the above procedure. After
setting dead (dead load shall consider load factors and vertical seismic action) and
live load cases as nonlinear create a nonlinear combination containing the dead load
case and 25% of the live load case.

➢ Note: Setting load a case to nonlinear does not imply nonlinear loading. The software
requires the load to be set as nonlinear in order to use nonlinear parameters such as
hinges, compression only springs, etc.

7. Defining Pushover Load Case

➢ In Sap2000 use Define > Load Cases.

➢ In the define load cases windows of Sap2000. Use Add New Load Case command.
Designer shall define two (2) pushover load cases. These new load cases will be
 defined for analyses in X, and Y direction. The modal loads will be defined to account
for the translational mode shapes.

➢ In the load case data windows of sap2000 designer shall do the following:

o Select nonlinear under analysis type.

o Select continue from state at end of nonlinear case under initial conditions,
use the nonlinear combination defined in step 6 of this procedure.

o Under modal load case, select Modal (modify modal load case so that it only
considers translational mode shapes). These are usually the first and second
modes respectively.

o Under loads applied, select Mode as your load type with a scale factor of 1.

o Under geometric nonlinearity parameters, select P-Delta. The program while

defining the equilibrium equations will take into partial account the deformed
configuration of the structure. It is recommended to use the same geometric
nonlinear parameter when continuing one nonlinear Load Case from another.

o Under load application click on Modify/Show. In the next window select

displacement control. Select use monitored displacement under control
displacement and input the target displacement define in step 5 of this
procedure, under load to a monitored value of box. Under monitored
displacement select degrees of freedom corresponding to the load case
being defined, U1 and U2 for pushover in X and pushover in Y, respectively.
Also, select the appropriate control point under joint as defined in step 4 of
this procedure.

o Under results saved click on Modify/Show. In the next window select multiple
states. Designer is encouraged to maintain default values.

➢ Recall designer shall create a pushover load case for X and Y in order to analyze the
overall structures response.

8. Running The Pushover Analysis

➢ Run the analysis with nonlinear cases only. The nonlinear cases should be the ones
defined and modified in steps 6 and 7 of this procedure. All other load cases shall be
set to do not run.
9. Reviewing Results

➢ To plot base shear vs. monitored displacement (Pushover curve). In Sap2000 select
Display > Show Static Pushover Curve. Additional variables are also available for
plotting.

➢ To plot hinge deformation vs. applied loading. In Sap2000 select Display > Show
Hinge Results. Moment as a function of plastic rotation is one such option.

➢ To review displacement and the step-by-step sequence of hinge formation. In

Sap2000 select Display > Show Deformed Shape.

➢ To review member forces on a step-by-step basis. In Sap2000 select Display > Show
Forces/Stresses > Frames/Cables.

➢ To plot response at each step of the pushover analysis, including joint displacement,
frame member forces, etc. In Sap2000 Select Display > Show Plot Functions.

➢ The designer should get familiarize with the different results shown above in order to
use them for the following required design checks.

10. Verification of Seismic Design Based on Worley Parsons Procedure

➢ The designer is reference to Worley Parsons procedure date January 27 of 2016.

The final paragraph is shown (In quotes) for the designer’s convenience:

“Once earthquake displacement demand δu has been determined and compared

with the pushover curve, it can be assessed whether the structure has the possibility
of providing such displacement and the associated level of damage.

For example, if δu is smaller than displacement in the pushover curve associated to

first buckling or first yield, earthquake behavior of the structure should be elastic, i.e.,
no damage will occur. If δu is larger than displacement in the pushover curve
associated to collapse, then collapse may be expected.”

➢ To show the pushover curve. In sap2000 use Display > Show Static Pushover
Curve.

➢ In the pushover curve windows of Sap2000. Select the resultant base shear vs
monitored displacement plot. The designer shall examine the curve with respect to
the target displacement to evaluate the structure based on Worley Parsons
comments. For instance, show the state of the structure at the target displacement
level e.g. elastic, inelastic. If the target displacement occurs in the inelastic range it is
important to show that the structure will perform within the collapse prevention level
 as define in FEMA 356/450, further clarification will be shown in step 12 of this
procedure.

11. Verification of The Response Modification Factor (R)

➢ The National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) defines the response
modification factor R as the “factor intended to account for both damping and ductility
inherent in structural systems at the displacements great enough to approach the
maximum displacement of the systems”. In essence the R factor reflects the capacity
of the structure to absorb energy through inelastic behavior.

➢ The Applied Technology Council (ATC) proposed a simplified procedure to calculate

the response modification factor. In this procedure R is computed as the product of
three parameters as shown below in figure 1:

➢ Ro is the over-strength factor which measures the lateral strength of a structure

compare to its design strength.

➢ Rµ is a ductility factor which measures the global nonlinear response of a structure.

➢ Rr is a redundancy factor which quantifies the improved reliability of seismic framing

systems built with multiple lines of strength. For this verification the redundancy
factor will be assumed to be equal to 1.

➢ The R factor will be computed as the product of the over-strength factor and the
ductility factor. Figure 1. Shows a typical pushover curve. The designer has access
to the X and Y pushover curve developed using this procedure.
 ➢ To show the pushover curve. In sap2000 use Display > Show Static Pushover
Curve.

➢ In the pushover curve windows of Sap2000. Select the resultant base shear vs
monitored displacement plot (Pushover curve). Select file, and then display tables. In
the next window the designer has access to the pushover curve values in a tabulated
form for ease of use.

➢ In Figure 1 Vy represents the maximum seismic demand for elastic response. Vmax
is the base shear corresponding to the maximum inelastic displacement. Vs
represent the strength design base shear corresponding to the first plastic hinge. The
designer can compute the R factor using the pushover curve and formulas shown in
figure 1.

➢ The designer shall verify the design R factor with respect to the smallest of Rx and
Ry which corresponds to the response modification factor for X and Y respectively.

12. Performance Verification of Structure

➢ It is important for the designer to verify that no local collapse will be experience by the
structure. This can be achieved by checking that hinges that are forming perform within
the collapse prevention level as defined by FEMA 356/450.

➢ Pushover analysis results can be plotted in terms of capacity spectrum curves. The
capacity spectrum curve shows the response demand versus capacity. If the demand
curve intersects the capacity envelope near the elastic range, Figure 2a, then the
structure will have a good performance. If the demand curve intersects the capacity
curve with little reserve of strength and deformation capacity, Figure 2b, then it can be
concluded that the structure will perform poorly during the imposed seismic excitation
and need to be reinforced to avoid major damage or collapse.
➢ The designer can check the performance of the building using the pushover analysis
already defined in step 7 of this procedure.

➢ To show the ATC-40 capacity spectrum curve. In sap2000 use Display > Show
Static Pushover Curve.

➢ In the pushover curve windows of Sap2000. Select the ATC-40 Capacity Spectrum
plot. The plot shows the capacity curve, and the demand. The demand curve is
plotted utilizing seismic coefficient equals to 0.4 by default. The designer can change
these coefficients to see how the demand curve slides out on the capacity curve
without re-running the model. Select modify/show parameters. In the next windows
increase Ca and Cv as needed in order to ensure that the demand curve slides out of
the capacity curve, it is recommended to use factors of Ca and Cv of 0.8 even
though larger magnitude might be needed. Recall using the update plot option before
leaving the current window.

➢ The point where the two curves intersect is called the performance point. The
performance point represents the global behavior of the structural system. The
performance point is determined automatically by SAP 2000, using the procedure c
mentioned in ATC-40.

➢ In the pushover curve windows of Sap2000. Note the performance points with
respect to the effective period (Teff). Select file, and then display table. In the next
window the capacity spectrum table is shown. The designer can identify between
which steps the effective period occurs.

➢ The designer can display the deformed shape for the steps identified above. In
sap2000 use Display > Show Deformed Shapes.

➢ In the deformed shapes windows of Sap2000. Select the case corresponding to the
pushover analysis under case/combo. Select the step to be evaluated under
multivalued options. The designer shall identify that the largest plastic hinge formed
at this steps are within the collapse prevention level (CP). This will ensure that there
will probably not be any collapse locally for this level of earthquake. If it is shown that
plastic hinge form beyond the collapse prevention level the designer shall provide
sufficient strength to eliminate this behavior.