Abstract: | Damping of structures resting on flexible foundations is affected by soil-structure interaction in two ways: (1) the structure gains damping through energy dissipation in soil, and (2) the damping the structure would have on a rigid foundation is reduced. These effects are evaluated using two approaches: an energy consideration which is a simple but approximate approach, and the complex eigenvalue analysis which is mathematically accurate but uses damped, non-classical vibration modes. These two methods are compared and the accuracy of the more convenient energy approach is assessed. Examples of modal damping are given for rigid structures, buildings and towers. |