Performance-based design sensitivity analysis of steel moment frames under earthquake loading

A performance-based design sensitivity analysis procedure for inelastic steel moment frameworks under equivalent static earthquake loading is presented in this paper. Analytical formulations defining the sensitivity of displacements to modifications in member sizes are derived based on a load-control pushover analysis procedure. Material non-linearity under bending moment is alone accounted. Although the formulations were derived based on continuous design variables, they are readily extended to the case of discrete design variables. A 3-storey moment frame example illustrates the applicability and accuracy of the developed methodology