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*Cyclic pushover analysis* may be performed using either of two approaches, outlined as follows:


h1. Sequence of nonlinear-static load cases

First, cyclic [pushover|kb:Pushover] analysis may be performed through a sequence of chained pushover analyses. Two key aspects of this approach include:

* Each pushover analysis would be pushing the structure in the direction opposite to that of the preceding pushover [load case|kb:Load case].

* Each pushover load case, aside from the first, would use stiffness at the end of the previous pushover load case.


h1. Time-history load cases

An alternate approach is to use a single nonlinear [time-history|kb:Time-history analysis] load case.

Some special considerations are necessary when using a time-history load case to model applied loading, listed as follows:

* Load should be scaled up or down to achieve the monitored pushover displacement desired for each cycle.

* The [time function|kb:Time function] should consist of linear segments which apply the loads in one direction and then the reverse, possibly with a constant segment to hold loads before their reverse.

* For each cycle in the sequence, the peak positive and negative time-function values must be found, starting with the first cycle of load application.

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A sample of a time function is shown in Figure 1:

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!time function.png|align=center,border=0!

{center-text}Figure 1 - Cyclic time function{center-text}