This paper examines the suitability of applying non-linear static methods based on pushover analysis for predicting the dynamic response of free-standing masonry towers. With this aim, the accuracy of both force- and displacement-controlled pushover analyses is evaluated by comparing their predictions of the values of maximum top displacements and some parameters related to damage with those obtained through dynamic analyses. The study is conducted by applying a simple non-linear elastic model recently developed and implemented in the computational code MADY to represent slender masonry structures. The model enables both pushover analyses and non-linear dynamic analyses to be performed with a minimum of effort. The results of a structural case study suggests that the force-controlled procedure does not always provide satisfactory results. Although this pushover procedure offers acceptable predictive capacity in terms of displacements and localized damage at the tower base, it fails to accurately predict global damage, especially for high-level seismic hazards. Conversely, when the analysis is conducted through a displacement-controlled procedure, the damage estimates over the full height of the tower are much more accurate than those provided by force-controlled analysis.

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