Improved adaptive spectra-based pushover analysis for bridges

Traditional pushover analysis procedures are based on invariant force distributions, none of which account for the contributions of higher modes to the response. Although adaptive spectra-based pushover analysis describes the effect of higher modes and considers the dynamic properties of structures, it is conceptually complicated and computationally demanding for routine structural engineering applications. This paper proposes an improved adaptive spectra-based pushover analysis procedure that can be employed to analyse bridge structures. This paper compares seismic performance determined by the improved method with pushover analysis using two force distributions and non-linear response history analysis procedures. The results indicate that the improved method provides superior accuracy in estimating the seismic performance of bridge structures.