Sensitivity Analysis for Nonlinear Response of RCMRF Using Pushover Analysis

Design sensitivity analysis is a necessary task for optimization of structures. Methods ofsensitivity analysis for linear systems have been developed and well documented in theliterature; however there are a few such research works for nonlinear systems. Nonlinearsensitivity analysis of structures under seismic loading is very complicated. This paperpresents an analytical sensitivity technique for Reinforcement Concrete Moment ResistingFrames (RCMRF) that accounts for both material and geometric nonlinearity underpushover analysis. The results of proposed method are compared with the results of finitedifference method. A three-story, two bays moment frame example is used to illustrate the efficiency of the method. This technique can be very useful and efficient for optimalperformance-based design of RC buildings.