Abstract: Nonlinear static analysis(Pushover analysis) can check out the deform ability of structure, find out the weakness of structure, control the damage degree of structure under intensity earthquake.However, there are many different pushover analysis methods, and different methods have different advantages and disadvantages as well as different applicability.The principle and development of the static nonlinear analysis method for evaluating seismic performance of structures are expounded.The advantages and disadvantages of different pushover methods are reviewed.The principles and evaluation methods of applicability of pushover analysis for bridges are analyzed.Finally, some problems of applicability of pushover analysis for bridges are pointed out.