Estimating seismic demand parameters using the endurance time method

The endurance time (ET) method is a time history based dynamic analysis in which structures are subjected to gradually intensifying excitations and their performances are judged based on their responses at various excitation levels. Using this method, the computational effort required for estimating probable seismic demand parameters can be reduced by an order of magnitude. Calculation of the maximum displacement or target displacement is a basic requirement for estimating performance based on structural design. The purpose of this paper is to compare the results of the nonlinear ET method with the nonlinear static pushover (NSP) method of FEMA 356 by evaluating performances and target displacements of steel frames. This study will lead to a deeper insight into the capabilities and limitations of the ET method. The results are further compared with those of the standard nonlinear response history analysis. We conclude that results from the ET analysis are in proper agreement with those from standard procedures.