PUSHOVER ANALYSIS ON IRREGULAR BRIDGE STRUCTURES

Pushover analysis method (The nonlinear static analysis method) has become a favorite tool for the seismic evaluation and design verification of bridge structures. As for the regular bridge structures, it is generally supposed to be single freedom degree of system, and the load pattern retains invariant; while as for those irregular ones with high piers and different length of spans, the assumption doesn't work. The effects of high modes should be considered in such cases. By the traditional pushover analysis methods and MPA method, this problem cannot be solved reasonably and effectively. In the paper, a new pushover analysis method was suggested. Considering the value of the mass participation coefficient, different loading patterns were used in order during the analysis procedure. Finally, the seismic performance of Hua Tupo Bridge was analyzed as an example in the pushover analysis method. It can be seen that the method proposed in the paper can well simulate the damage procedure of irregular bridges and the sequence of plastic hinges.