Interbuilding interpolation of peak seismic response using spatially correlated demand parameters

Seismic structural responses recorded in instrumented buildings during an earthquake are used to provide insights into the demands placed on neighboring, noninstrumented buildings, using a framework to interpolate structural response demands across buildings. The interbuilding interpolation model relies on the spatial and structural correlations of responses in coregionally located buildings subjected to a seismic event. A dataset of response demands for a portfolio of reinforced concrete moment frame buildings is generated by performing nonlinear response history analyses on structural models using ground motions recorded from historical scenario earthquakes. The dataset is used to characterize the correlation between seismic demands across different buildings. Semivariograms are used to model spatial and structural correlations and then incorporated into a kriging algorithm, which forms the basis of the interpolation models. The effect of several model and dataset attributes and assumptions, for example, using intensity‐measure‐based versus engineering demand parameter‐based semivariograms, and size of training dataset relative to portfolio, on the overall performance are evaluated along with the limitations of the proposed model.     

Field measurements for calibration of simplified models of the stiffening effect of infill masonry walls in high-rise RC framed and shear-wall buildings

As a type of nonstructural component, infill walls play a significant role in the seismic behavior of high-rise buildings. However, the stiffness of the infill wall is generally either ignored or considered by simplified empirical criteria that lead to a period shortening. The difference can be greatly decreased by using a structural identification methodology. In this study, an ambient vibration test was performed on four on-site reinforced concrete high-rise buildings, and the design results were compared with the PKPM models using corresponding finite element(FE) models. A diagonal strut model was used to simulate the behavior of the infill wall, and the identified modal parameters measured from the on-site test were employed to calibrate the parameters of the diagonal strut in the FE models. The SAP2000 models with calibrated elastic modulus were used to evaluate the seismic response in the elastic state. Based on the load-displacement relationship of the infill wall, nonlinear dynamic analysis models were built in PERFORM-3 D and calibrated using the measured modal periods. The analysis results revealed that the structural performance under small/large earthquake records were both strengthened by infill walls, and the contribution of infill walls should be considered for better accuracy in the design process.     

Analysis of the failure of interstate 10 freeway ramp during the Northridge earthquake of 17 January 1994

The response of a reinforced concrete freeway structure damaged during the Northridge earthquake is determined using non-linear dynamic finite element analysis. The results obtained allow the ability of contemporary analysis techniques to predict the seismic response of such structures to be assessed and the critical aspects of the behaviour of the structure to be identified. Comparison is made with the response predicted using equivalent static analysis and more simplified dynamic analysis, from which the results of the more advanced analysis are shown to be superior. The influence of a number of modelling assumptions, principally with regard to boundary conditions, on the computed response is also assessed. From this, the disparity between the design conditions and those actually pertaining at the time of the earthquake are seen to play a crucial role in the mode of failure of the structure. It is concluded that, upon the development of an accurate structural model, the analytical results correlated well with the behaviour observed in post-earthquake reconnaissance.     

Numerical validation of analytical solutions and their use for equivalent-linear seismic analysis of circular tunnels

The first part of this paper presents an extensive validation of four analytical solutions for the seismic design of circular tunnels. The validation is performed with a quasi-static finite element (FE) model which conforms to the assumptions of the analytical solutions. Analyses are performed for a wide range of flexibility ratios, slippage conditions at soil–lining interface, assuming both drained and undrained behaviour. Based on the numerical predictions the relative merits of the considered analytical solutions are discussed and recommendations are given for their use in design. The second part of this paper explores the use of equivalent linear soil properties in analytical solutions as an approximate way of simulating nonlinearity. The results of equivalent linear site response analyses are used as an input for the analytical solutions. The comparison of the analytical predictions with nonlinear numerical analysis results is very satisfactory. The results of this study suggest that analytical solutions can be used for preliminary design using equivalent linear properties and the corresponding compatible strain as an approximate way of accounting for nonlinear soil response.     

约束混凝土砌块结构抗震性态研究

性态抗震设计已成为结构抗震设计的发展趋势,本文以约束混凝土砌块结构为对象,在提出约束混凝土砌块墙承载力计算公式的基础上,建立了砌块墙片的恢复力模型。对3座不同层数的典型约束混凝土砌块结构,在代表不同场地类别、不同地震动强度的输入下分别进行了动力非线性时程分析和静力非线性分析。通过计算结果的对比,讨论了2种分析方法中场地类别、地震动强度、静力非线性分析中侧力分布模式等影响,所得结论可以为用静力非线性分析估计砌块结构的抗震性能提供有益的参考依据。     

Static versus modal analysis: influence on inelastic response of multi-storey asymmetric buildings

The paper investigates the influence of design procedures on the seismic response of multi-storey asymmetric buildings. To this end, some structures are designed according to methods based on either static or modal analysis, with or without design eccentricities. The seismic response of these systems is determined by means of inelastic dynamic analyses and the design is thoroughly examined in order to explain the results of the dynamic analyses. Attention is basically focused on the ability of design methods to prevent asymmetric buildings from experiencing ductility demands much larger than those of the corresponding torsionally balanced systems. Numerical analyses underline that while design procedures based on either static or modal analysis are suitable for the design of torsionally rigid structures only those based on modal analysis lead to the satisfactory performance of torsionally flexible buildings. Furthermore, the study highlights the qualities of a design method proposed by the Authors. Its application does not require any explicit calculation of design eccentricities and leads to proper seismic response of both torsionally rigid and flexible asymmetric buildings.     

A macro‐model with nonlinear springs for seismic analysis of URM buildings

Seismic assessment of existing unreinforced masonry buildings represents a current challenge in structural engineering. Many historical masonry buildings in earthquake regions were not designed to withstand seismic loading; thus, these structures often do not meet the basic safety requirements recommended by current seismic codes and need to be strengthened considering the results from realistic structural analysis. This paper presents an efficient modelling strategy for representing the nonlinear response of unreinforced masonry components under in‐plane cyclic loading, which can be used for practical and accurate seismic assessment of masonry buildings. According to the proposed strategy, generic masonry perforated walls are modelled using an equivalent frame approach, where each masonry component is described utilising multi‐spring nonlinear elements connected by rigid links. When modelling piers and spandrels, nonlinear springs are placed at the two ends of the masonry element for describing the flexural behaviour and in the middle for representing the response in shear. Specific hysteretic rules allowing for degradation of stiffness and strength are then used for modelling the member response under cyclic loading. The accuracy and the significant potential of the proposed modelling approach are shown in several numerical examples, including comparisons against experimental results and the nonlinear dynamic analysis of a building structure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

地震动参数在建筑物抗震设计中的应用

传统考虑后期使用年限的地震动参数研究,在建筑物抗震设计中的应用,缺乏地震危险性分析和建筑物损伤指数分析,应用性差。提出新的地震动参数在建筑物抗震设计中的应用方法,以地震危险性分析为基础,通过水平地震动加速度衰减关系方程,求得建筑场地水平向基岩峰值加速度和反应谱,以此得到地震动加速度反应谱方程,利用该方程获得地震动反应谱参数,采用变形和线性组合构建损伤指数模型,获取地震波作用下地震动参数对建筑物损伤程度。实验结果表明,利用所提方法得到的地震动反应谱最小误差为0.563,小于允许误差4.0;在50年超越概率63%的条件下地震动参数值分别为0.26、0.095,所提方法可在规定误差范围内得到地震动反应谱参数值,其进行建筑物抗震设计精度和应用性高。     

Assessment of the dynamic response of unreinforced masonry structures using a macroelement modeling approach

The seismic performance of unreinforced masonry structures is strongly associated with the interaction between in‐plane and out‐of‐plane mechanisms. The seismic response of these structures has been thoroughly investigated by means of experimental testing, analytical procedures, and computational approaches. Within the framework of the numerical simulations, models based on the finite element method provide a good prediction of the seismic performance of unreinforced masonry structures. However, they usually require a high computational cost and advanced user expertise to define appropriate mechanical properties and to interpret the numerical results. Because of these limitations, simplified models for practical applications have been developed during the last decades. Despite this, a great number of these models focus mostly on the evaluation of the in‐plane response, assuming box (or integral) behavior of the structure. In this paper, a simplified macroelement modeling approach is used to simulate the seismic response of 2 masonry prototypes taking into consideration the combined in‐plane and out‐of‐plane action. The numerical investigations were performed in the static and dynamic fields by using pushover analyses and nonlinear dynamic analyses respectively. The latter is a novel implementation of a model previously developed for static analysis. The results obtained from this study are in good agreement with those provided by a detailed nonlinear continuum FE approach, demonstrating the applicability of this macroelement model with a significant reduction of the computational cost.     

Evaluation of plan configuration irregularity effects on seismic response demands of L-shaped MRF buildings

Damage assessments after past earthquakes have frequently revealed that plan configuration irregular buildings have more severe damage due to excessive torsional responses and stress concentration than regular buildings. The plan configuration irregularities introduce major challenges in the seismic design of buildings. One such form of irregularity is the presence of re-entrant corners in the L-shaped buildings that causes stress concentration due to sudden changes in stiffness and torsional response amplification; hence causes early collapse. A constructive research into re-entrant corner and torsional irregularity problems is essentially needed greater than ever. Therefore, the focus of this study is to investigate structural seismic response demands for the class of L-shaped buildings through evaluating the plan configuration irregularity of re-entrant corners and lateral–torsion coupling effects on measured seismic response demands. The measured responses include story drift, inter-story drift, story shear force, overturning moment, torsion moment at the base and over building height, and torsional irregularity ratio. Three dimensional finite element model for nine stories symmetric buildings as reference model is developed. In addition, six L-shaped building models are formulated with gradual reduction in the plan of the reference building model. The results prove that building models with high irregularity are more vulnerable due to the stress concentration and lateral torsional coupling behavior than that with regular buildings. In addition, the related lateral shear forces in vertical resisting elements located on the periphery of the L-shaped buildings could be significantly increased in comparison with the corresponding values for a symmetric building.     

On the seismic performance of straight integral abutment bridges: From advanced numerical modelling to a practice-oriented analysis method

The seismic performance of integral abutment bridges (IABs) is affected by the interaction with the surrounding soil, and specifically by the development of interaction forces in the embankment-abutment and soil-piles systems. In principle, these effects could be evaluated by means of highly demanding numerical computations that, however, can be carried out only for detailed studies of specific cases. By contrast, a low-demanding analysis method is needed for a design-oriented assessment of the longitudinal seismic performance of IABs. To this purpose, the present paper describes a design technique in which the frequency- and amplitude-dependency of the soil-structure interaction is modelled in a simplified manner. Specifically, the method consists of a time-domain analysis of a simplified soil-bridge model, in which soil-structure interaction is simulated by means of distributed nonlinear springs connecting a free-field ground response analysis model to the structural system. The results of this simplified method are validated against the results of advanced numerical analyses, considering different seismic scenarios. In its present state of development, the proposed simplified nonlinear model can be used for an efficient evaluation of the longitudinal response of straight IABs and can constitute a starting point for a prospective generalisation to three-dimensional response.     

基于中美抗震设计规范的双向水平地震效应组合方法的有效性评估

在地震来临时,一般假设建筑结构同时受到两个正交水平方向分量与一个竖向分量的地震动作用。双向水平地震效应组合方法用于估计两个正交水平分量地震动同时作用时结构的内力效应。本文主要对我国与美国抗震设计规范中规定使用的平方和开平方根（SRSS）方法与百分比组合方法的有效性进行了评估。首先,对比了我国与美国规范在考虑双向水平地震效应时的适用情况及相关规定上的异同。以一4层中心支撑-框架结构为工程案例,考虑两国规范在适用情况上的规定,设置了三个结构布置方案。对三个结构布置方案建立有限元模型,选取22组地震动,开展了动力时程分析。提出了针对SRSS方法与百分比组合方法的评估指标,基于时程分析结果,发展了双向水平地震效应组合的概率性评估方法。评估结果表明:SRSS方法与百分比组合方法用于平面扭转不规则结构的设计较为保守。在简化组合规则的适用条件上,美国规范对平面扭转不规则结构不进行考虑有一定的合理性。建议我国规范对中心支撑-框架结构中含双向受压柱的设计要求考虑双向水平地震效应组合。     

The cause of unproportionately large higher mode contributions in the inelastic seismic responses of high‐rise core‐wall buildings

In the conventional seismic design of high‐rise reinforced concrete core‐wall buildings, the design demands such as design shear and bending moment in the core wall are typically determined by the response spectrum analysis procedure, and a plastic hinge is allowed to form at the wall base to limit the seismic demands. In this study, it is demonstrated by using a 40‐story core‐wall building that this conventional approach could lead to an unsafe design where the true demands—the maximum inelastic seismic demands induced by the maximum considered earthquake—could be several times greater than the design demands and be unproportionately dominated by higher vibration modes. To identify the cause of this problem, the true demands are decomposed into individual modal contributions by using the uncoupled modal response history analysis procedure. The results show that the true demands contributed by the first mode are reasonably close to the first‐mode design demands, while those contributed by other higher modes are much higher than the corresponding modal design demands. The flexural yielding in the plastic hinge at the wall base can effectively suppress the seismic demands of the first mode. For other higher modes, however, a similar yielding mechanism is either not fully mobilized or not mobilized at all, resulting in unexpectedly large contributions from higher modes. This finding suggests several possible approaches to improve the seismic design and to suppress the seismic demands of high‐rise core‐wall buildings. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A simplified model for analysis and design of asymmetric-plan buildings

A new simplified model for analysis and design of multistorey buildings is developed. The model is based on a single super-element per building storey capable of representing the elastic and inelastic properties of the storey. This is done by matching the stiffness matrices and ultimate yield surface of the storey with that of the element; this surface relates storey shear and storey torque. For practical convenience, these surfaces are parametrized in terms of seven important physical parameters controlling the seismic response of asymmetric structures. Several numerical studies showed that the accuracy of the super-element model is satisfactory for most design purposes; the errors in peak responses are expected to be less than 20 per cent for most practical structures. Among the important advantages of this simplified model is that the time required in formulating, analysing and interpreting the structural model and its response is at least an order of magnitude smaller than for any conventional 3-D inelastic model. This enables the engineer to try different structural configurations and, thus, produce designs that have the desired seismic behaviour and are cost-effective. Furthermore, it has been shown through a multistorey building example that the super-element model is a powerful tool for conceptual design of a building. In spite of its simplicity, the model uses an accurate representation of the storey-shear and torque surfaces, which enables it to capture the fundamental features controlling the inelastic behaviour of the building.     

Numerical failure analysis of a continuous reinforced concrete bridge under strong earthquakes using multi-scale models

Previous failure analyses of bridges typically focus on substructure failure or superstructure failure separately. However, in an actual bridge, the seismic induced substructure failure and superstructure failure may influence each other. Moreover, previous studies typically use simplified models to analyze the bridge failure; however, there are inherent defects in the calculation accuracy compared with using a detailed three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model. Conversely, a detailed 3D FE model requires more computational costs, and a proper erosion criterion of the 3D elements is necessary. In this paper, a multi-scale FE model, including a corresponding erosion criterion, is proposed and validated that can significantly reduce computational costs with high precision by modelling a pseudo-dynamic test of an reinforced concrete (RC) pier. Numerical simulations of the seismic failures of a continuous RC bridge based on the multi-scale FE modeling method using LS-DYNA are performed. The nonlinear properties of the bridge, various connection strengths and bidirectional excitations are considered. The numerical results demonstrate that the failure of the connections will induce large pounding responses of the girders. The nonlinear deformation of the piers will aggravate the pounding damages. Furthermore, bidirectional earthquakes will induce eccentric poundings to the girders and different failure modes to the adjacent piers.     

软土场地基础隔震建筑减震性能研究

本文研究土与结构相互作用(SSI)对多层及中高层基础隔震建筑地震需求及隔震效率的影响规律,隔震层采用LRB铅芯橡胶与LNR普通橡胶隔震支座组合,就我国现行《建筑抗震设计规范》(GB50011-2010)中软土场地设置隔震层问题做探讨。提出土与基础隔震结构相互作用的简化计算模型,对不同场地及隔震设计目标下的多层及中高层基础隔震结构进行时程分析。研究表明:软土场地基础隔震建筑隔震层的有效隔震效率相对于硬土场地有所下降,必须通过设置具有一定规格的LRB支座来满足隔震目标。本文给出了铅芯橡胶支座极限变形需求随建筑层高及隔震目标变化的规律。     

Approximate modal decomposition of inelastic dynamic responses of wall buildings

Two approximate methods for decomposing complicated inelastic dynamic responses of wall buildings into simple modal responses are presented. Both methods are based on the equivalent linear concept, where a non‐linear structure is represented by a set of equivalent linear models. One linear model is used for representing only one vibration mode of the non‐linear structure, and its equivalent linear parameters are identified from the inelastic response time histories by using a numerical optimizer. Several theoretical relations essential for the modal decomposition are derived under the framework of complex modal analysis. Various numerical examinations have been carried out to check the validity of the proposed modal decomposition methods, and the results are quite satisfactory in all cases. Fluctuating bending moment and shear at any location along the wall height contributed by each individual vibration mode can be obtained. Modal contributions to shear and flexural strength demands, as well as the corresponding modal properties, under various seismic loading conditions can also be identified and examined in detail. Furthermore, the effects of higher vibration modes on seismic demands of wall buildings are investigated by using the modal decomposition methods. Several new insights into the complicated inelastic dynamics of multi‐story wall buildings are presented. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic demand evaluation of medium ductility RC moment frames using nonlinear procedures

Performance-based earthquake engineering is a recent focus of research that has resulted in widely developed design methodologies due to its ability to realistically simulate structural response characteristics.Precise prediction of seismic demands is a key component of performance-based design methodologies.This paper presents a seismic demand evaluation of reinforced concrete moment frames with medium ductility.The accuracy of utilizing simplified nonlinear static analysis is assessed by comparison against the results of time history analysis on a number of frames.Displacement profiles,drift demand and maximum plastic rotation were computed to assess seismic demands.Estimated seismic demands were compared to acceptance criteria in FEMA 356.The results indicate that these frames have sufficient capacity to resist interstory drifts that are greater than the limit value.     

Evaluation of three‐dimensional modal pushover analysis for unsymmetric‐plan buildings subjected to two components of ground motion

The accuracy of the three‐dimensional modal pushover analysis (MPA) procedure in estimating seismic demands for unsymmetric‐plan buildings due to two horizontal components of ground motion, simultaneously, is evaluated. Eight low‐and medium‐rise structures were considered. Four intended to represent older buildings were designed according to the 1985 Uniform Building Code, whereas four other designs intended to represent newer buildings were based on the 2006 International Building Code. The median seismic demands for these buildings to 39 two‐component ground motions, scaled to two intensity levels, were computed by MPA and nonlinear response history analysis (RHA), and then compared. Even for these ground motions that deform the buildings significantly into the inelastic range, MPA offers sufficient degree of accuracy. It is demonstrated that PMPA, a variant of the MPA procedure, for nonlinear systems is almost as accurate as the well‐known standard response spectrum analysis procedure is for linear systems. Thus, for practical applications, the PMPA procedure offers an attractive alternative to nonlinear RHA, whereby seismic demands can be estimated directly from the (elastic) design spectrum. In contrast, the nonlinear static procedure specified in the ASCE/SEI 41‐06 Standard is demonstrated to grossly underestimate seismic demands for some of the unsymmetric‐plan buildings considered. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Assessment of seismic resistance of masonry structures including boundary conditions

The paper is devoted to the investigation of seismic response of the masonry structure and describes experiences with modelling of boundary conditions during the test of large heavy model on 6DOF shaking table. The main aim of the research was how to increase dynamic resistance capacity of old masonry buildings including the medium and strong seismic effects. The results of theoretical and numerical analyses are compared including initial forecasting calculations made before any test started. The emphasis is given to the boundary conditions reached during the excitation of the large masonry model via shaking table. Strengthening and retrofitting procedures and their effects are discussed when special fibre mortar is used for repair and strengthening of masonry parts of structure.