Abstract：Structural response sensitivity is generally used to describe the relationship between
structural behavior and design parameters. Based on the sensitivity analysis of structural strain
energy, a new method is developed to assess the structural redundancy. The sensitivity extremum of
the structural strain energy to the elastic modulus of members is used as the measurement index of
structural redundancy and the effect of the local damage of structural members on the whole
structure are considered. In addition, based on the elastic-plastic dynamic equation proposed by
Dibaj and Penzien, a series of formulas corresponding to the sensitivity relationship between the
structural strain energy and the elastic modulus are derived under multi-support excitation and
the redundancy of structure members is calculated subsequently. Two shaking table test models of
single-layer dome with the span of 23.5m and rise-span ratio of 0.5 are investigated by the
presented method. By comparing with the collapse process of the perfect model and defect model,
the overall performance and the weakness of structures are fully reflected. The redundancy index
can be used to indicate the weak members in the structure.
