Seismic performance assessment of “hybrid” structures using two-level multy group GIS oriented approach: case studies

In this paper, a two-level multi-group approach to seismic performance assessment of existing building stock is presented and discussed. The first level of assessment is a simple visual screening based on the principles originally developed in FEMA (Rapid visual screening of buildings for potential seismic hazards: a handbook—FEMA 154 and 155, Applied Technology Council, Redwood City, 2002). The second level of assessment is based on an integrated approach (field survey, geotechnical investigations, experimental testing and analytical investigations) with incorporated procedures of different levels of complexity. The acceptance criteria for assessment are founded on demand versus capacity relationships, defined at element and story level. The developed approach was applied in performance assessment of the existing buildings in Karposh, which is one of the largest and oldest municipalities in Skopje, the capital of the Republic of Macedonia. Rapid visual screening (level_1 activity) was performed for 161 existing buildings. For two selected buildings, level_2 assessment was carried out. The results from the assessment were uploaded into the existing geo-referenced building inventory database on the Karposh municipality that represents a practical tool for the decision makers in enforcing decisions on design and construction of seismically resilient building environment.     

Seismic vulnerability assessment of a mixed masonry–RC building aggregate by linear and nonlinear analyses

From the beginning of the twentieth century, and due to the rapid increase of reinforced concrete (RC) usage, mixed masonry–RC buildings have emerged. In Lisbon, Portugal, old mixed masonry–RC buildings appeared between 1920 and 1960, representing the transition period between masonry and proper RC. These buildings are often integrated in blocks, and frequently share the side-walls, implying, thus, the need to assess the seismic vulnerability of building aggregates. The present paper approaches the seismic vulnerability assessment of a specific type of old mixed masonry–RC buildings in Lisbon. The study comprises the analysis of a building, both as an isolated structure and inserted in its aggregate, using two approaches: (1) linear dynamic analysis with SAP2000 and (2) nonlinear static analysis by means of 3Muri/Tremuri software. A comparison of both approaches derives a good matching between the obtained results. However, a nonlinear analysis is required to identify, in an adequate manner, the critical areas of the structure requiring strengthening.     

Seismic Monitoring of Poland–Description and Results of Temporary Seismic Project with Mobile Seismic Network

The paper describes a temporary seismic project aimed at developing the national database of natural seismic activity for seismic hazard assessment, officially called “Monitoring of Seismic Hazard of Territory of Poland” (MSHTP). Due to low seismicity of Poland, the project was focused on events of magnitude range 1–3 in selected regions in order to maximize the chance of recording any natural event. The project used mobile seismic stations and was divided into two stages.Five-year measurements brought over one hundred natural seismic events of magnitudes M_L range 0.5–3.8. Most of them were located in the Podhale region in the Carpathians. Together with previously recorded events this made it possible to conduct a preliminary study on ground motion prediction equation for this region. Only one natural event, of magnitude M_L = 3.8, was recorded outside the Carpathians in a surprising location in central-west Poland.     

Sensor location in concrete slabs with various layout of opening using modified ‘FEMS-COMAC’ approach

Two-way concrete slabs are widely used around the world for the construction of many types of infrastructures and common buildings. The optimal sensor placement(OSP) in slabs with various opening positions is the most important issue in structural health monitoring(SHM) to increase reliability. In this study, a novel approach of OSP was evaluated to obtain the number and placement of sensors using examination of the closed loop performance. The nonlinear finite element(NFE) was used to discretize the mechanism behavior of slab. Multi-Objective Optimization based on the coordinate modal assurance criterion(COMAC) and cost considerations was considered in the optimization processes. All of the analysis, discretization and optimization process was designed and developed as a novel approach in Matlab by the author under the name ‘FEMS-COMAC'(FEM analysis of slab with COMAC). The points in the finite element method(FEM) mesh were classified as line by line information along the slab. The OSP in each line was optimized according to the objective function. The slabs with various width, thickness, aspect ratio and opening position were selected as case studies. The results of the OSP using the COMAC algorithm around the slab openings were compared with the novel ‘FEMS-COMAC' method. The statistical analysis according Mann-Whitney criteria shows that there were significant differences between them in some of the case studies(mean P-value=0.54).     

Evaluation of volcanic reservoirs with the “QAPM mineral model” using a genetic algorithm

Gas-bearing volcanic reservoirs have been found in the deep Songliao Basin, China. Choosing proper interpretation parameters for log evaluation is difficult due to complicated mineral compositions and variable mineral contents. Based on the QAPF classification scheme given by IUGS, we propose a method to determine the mineral contents of volcanic rocks using log data and a genetic algorithm. According to the QAPF scheme, minerals in volcanic rocks are divided into five groups： Q（quartz）, A （Alkaline feldspar）, P （plagioclase）, M （mafic） and F （feldspathoid）. We propose a model called QAPM including porosity for the volumetric analysis of reservoirs. The log response equations for density, apparent neutron porosity, transit time, gamma ray and volume photoelectrical cross section index were first established with the mineral parameters obtained from the Schlumberger handbook of log mineral parameters. Then the volumes of the four minerals in the matrix were calculated using the genetic algorithm （GA）. The calculated porosity, based on the interpretation parameters, can be compared with core porosity, and the rock names given in the paper based on QAPF classification according to the four mineral contents are compatible with those from the chemical analysis of the core samples.     

A model of seismicity with fractal structures and a preliminary discussion on the relation between D and b value

ＡｍｏｄｅｌｏｆｓｅｉｓｍｉｃｉｔｙｗｉｔｈｆｒａｃｔａｌｓｔｒｕｃｔｕｒｅｓａｎｄａｐｒｅｌｉｍｉｎａｒｙｄｉｓｃｕｓｓｉｏｎｏｎｔｈｅｒｅｌａｔｉｏｂｅｔｗｅｅｎＤａｎｄｂｖａｌｕｅＨａｔ－ＫｕｎＪＩＡＮＧ（蒋海昆）ａｎｄＳｈｏｕ－ＺｈｏｎｇＤＩ...     

An aquifer model with a parameter characterizing the inhomogeneity of media

Ａｎ　ａｑｕｉｆｅｒ　ｍｏｄｅｌ　ｗｉｔｈ　ａ　ｐａｒａｍｅｔｅｒ　ｃｈａｒａｃｔｅｒｉｚｉｎｇ　ｔｈｅ　ｉｎｈｏｍｏｇｅｎｅｉｔｙ　ｏｆ　ｍｅｄｉａ（王六桥）（李善因）Ａｎａｑｕｉｆｅｒｍｏｄｅｌｗｉｔｈａｐａｒａｍｅｔｅｒｃｈａｒａｃｔｅｒｉｚｉ...     

Dynamic analysis of flexible cantilever wall retaining elastic soil by a modified Vlasov–Leontiev model

Dynamic response of a flexible cantilever wall retaining elastic soil to harmonic transverse seismic excitations is determined with the aid of a modified Vlasov–Leontiev foundation model and on the assumption of vanishing vertical displacement of the soil medium. The soil–wall interaction is taken into consideration in the presented model. The governing equations and boundary conditions of the two unknown coupled functions in the model are derived in terms of Hamilton׳s principle. Solutions of the two unknown functions are obtained on the basis of an iterative algorithm. The present method is verified by comparing its results with those of the existing analytical solution. Moreover, a mechanical model is proposed to evaluate the presented method physically. A parametric study is performed to investigate the effects of the soil–wall system properties and the excitations on the dynamic response of the wall.     

Seismic protection of frame structures via semi-active control： modeling and implementation issues

Theoretical and practical issues concerning the multi-faceted task of mitigating the latero-torsional seismic response of a prototypal frame structure with asymmetric mass distribution are approached.Chevron braces with embedded magnetorheological dampers acting on the interstory drift are used to ensure additional energy dissipation.The semi-active control strategy employed to govern the modifi cation of the damper characteristics via feedback is based on the selection of optimal forces according to a H2/L...     

Dynamic performance of angle-steel concrete columns under low cyclic loading-I： Experimental study

This paper describes low cyclic loading testing of nine angle-steel concrete column （ASCC） specimens. In the tests, the influence of the shear-span ratio, axial compression ratio and shear steel plate ratio on the hysteretic behavior, energy dissipation, strength degradation, stiffness degradation, skeleton curve and ductility of the ASCCs is studied. Based on the test results, some conclusions are presented. The P-A and sectional M -φ hysteretic models for the ASCCs are presented in a companion paper （Zheng and Ji, 2008）.     

Robust H∞ control for aseismic structures with uncertainties in model parameters

This paper presents a robust H∞ output feedback control approach for structural systems with uncertainties in model parameters by using available acceleration measurements and proposes conditions for the existence of such a robust output feedback controller. The uncertainties of structural stiffness, damping and mass parameters are assumed to be norm-bounded. The proposed control approach is formulated within the framework of linear matrix inequalities, for which existing convex optimization techniques, such as the LMI toolbox in MATLAB, can be used effectively and conveniently. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed robust H∞ strategy, a six-story building was subjected both to the 1940 El Centro earthquake record and to a suddenly applied Kanai-Tajimi filtered white noise random excitation. The results show that the proposed robust H∞ controller provides satisfactory results with or without variation of the structural stiffness, damping and mass parameters.     

Seismic vulnerability assessment based on typological characteristics. The first level procedure “SAVE”

In this paper a procedure is described for quick seismic vulnerability assessment according to the EMS 98 classification. The criteria adopted by Ems 98 to assign the typological classes are mainly based on the vertical structure type. The proposed methodology aims to reduce the uncertainty in the class assessment using a set of parameters, related to typological features, that are identified as modifiers of the vulnerability level. The paper shows how the weight of each of these parameters is evaluated through the analysis of the seismic damages recorded during past earthquakes. A synthetic damage parameter is then defined in order to compare the seismic response of different sets of buildings under the same seismic intensity. Finally, the vulnerability assessment obtained on a set of buildings by the application of the methodology is compared with expert evaluations derived from the direct inspections on buildings.     

Calculation and analysis of correlation curves between Lanzhou Seismic Array sites and assessment of primary array

Introduction After the field survey for the building of Lanzhou Seismic Array, Dajian Mountain that is lo-cated 18 km on the southwest of Lanzhou Seismic Station was chosen as the array address among the several eligible areas. Lanzhou Array address is situated on the Wusu Mountain range with the stable base rocks, and no large active faults are found nearby. During the site survey, we made a 18-day field observation at Dajian Mountain array address in Lanzhou by using a set of FBS-3A b…     

Discussion on the Relation Between the Probabilistic Distribution of Magnitude in a Seismic Province and That in an Area with Potential Seismic Source

According to the joint probabilistic distribution model of magnitude and space,the author discusses the relationship between the probabilistic distribution of magnitude in a seismic province and that in an area with potential seismic sources.The results show that if the magnitude probabilistic distribution follows the truncated exponential form in a seismic province,there must be some potential source in which the magnitude probabilistic distribution does not conform to that form.The result is consistent with the concept of "characteristic earthquake" derived from the study of actual records of seismicity and the study of geology.The author suggests that the relationship between the probabilistic distribution of magnitude in a seismic province and that in a seismic potential area must be considered in the study of the analysis of seismicity,seismic zonation and engineering seismology,for the purpose of the evaluation of the probabilistic distribution of magnitude correctly in every area with potential s     

Hybrid simulation of a partial-strength steel–concrete composite moment-resisting frame endowed with hysteretic replaceable beam splices

This paper deals with the seismic response assessment of a steel–concrete moment-resisting frame (MRF) equipped with special dissipative replaceable components (DRCs): the dissipative replaceable beam splices (DRBeS), which combine large energy dissipation with ease of replacement. The evaluation of the full potential of DRBeS requires a system-level investigation, that is, a six-story MRF, whereby the hysteretic effects of beam splices partial-strength joints are considered on the global response of the structural system. Therefore, an OpenSees finite element (FE) frame model, based on previous experimental campaigns with cyclic displacements on partial-strength joints, and a Matlab model validated on OpenSees, were used for a more complex experimental activity via hybrid simulation (HS). The aim of the simulations was twofold: (i) to increase knowledge of the non-linear behaviour of steel-concrete composite partial-strength MRFs; and (ii) to study the effectiveness of the DRBeS components for increasing the recovery of functionality after a major seismic event. Therefore, to appreciate the performance of the partial-strength MRF at damage limitation (DL), significant damage (SD) and near collapse (NC) within the performance-based earthquake engineering (PBEE) approach, HSs were carried out. In such instances, the ground floor was physically tested at full scale in the laboratory and the remainder of the structure was numerically simulated. Relevant results showed that the DRBeS were capable of dissipating a significant amount of hysteretic energy and of protecting the non-dissipative parts of partial-strength joints and the overall structure with an ease of replacement.     

Dynamic performance of angle-steel concrete columns under low cyclic loading-Ⅱ： parametric study

Tests of nine angle-steel concrete column （ASCC） specimens under low cyclic loading are described in a companion paper （Zheng and Ji, 2008）. In this paper, the skeleton curves from the numerical simulation are presented, and show good agreement with the test results. Furthermore, parametric studies are conducted to explore the influence of factors such as the axial compression ratio, shear steel plate ratio, steel ratio, prismatic concrete compression strength, yield strength of angle steel and shear span ratio, etc., on the monotonic load-displacement curves of the ASCCs. Based on a statistical analysis of the calculated results, hysteretic models for load-displacement and moment-curvature are proposed, which agree well with the test results. Finally, some suggestions concerning the conformation of ASCCs are proposed, which could be useful in engineering practice.     

Dynamic performance of angle-steel concrete columns under low cyclic loading-Ⅱ: parametric study

Tests of nine angle-steel concrete column (ASCC) specimens under low cyclic loading are described in acompanion paper (Zheng and Ji, 2008). In this paper, the skeleton curves from the numerical simulation are presented, andshow good agreement with the test results. Furthermore, parametric studies are conducted to explore the influence of factorssuch as the axial compression ratio, shear steel plate ratio, steel ratio, prismatic concrete compression strength, yield strengthof angle steel and shear span ratio, etc., on the monotonic load-displacement curves of the ASCCs. Based on a statisticalanalysis of the calculated results, hysteretic models for load-displacement and moment-curvature are proposed, which agreewell with the test results. Finally, some suggestions concerning the conformation of ASCCs are proposed, which could beuseful in engineering practice.     

Application of a New Qeneration of Geophonesto Improve Seismic Acquisitionin Onshore-offshore Transition Areas

In this paper, we review the differences between velocity geophones （VG） and acceleration geophones （AG） and their effect on seismic signals acquired in onshore-offshore transition areas. We present a new generation of Land Piezoelectric Geophone （LPG） and analyze its performance. Our field experiments demonstrate that our new LPG can be used to substitute for VGs in order to eliminate phase, frequency and energy differences between different geophone systems commonlv used in transition areas.     

Construction of constant-Q viscoelastic model with three parameters

The popularly used viscoelastic models have some shortcomings in describing relationship between quality factor (Q) and frequency, which is not consistent with the observation data. Based on the theory of viscoelasticity, a new approach to construct constant-Q viscoelastic model in given frequency band with three parameters is developed. The designed model describes the frequency-independence feature of quality factor very well, and the effect of viscoelasticity on seismic wave field can be studied relatively accurate in theory with this model. Furthermore, the number of required parameters in this model has been reduced fewer than that of other constant-Q models, this can simplify the solution of the viscoelastic problems to some extent. At last, the accuracy and application range have been analyzed through numerical tests. The effect of viscoelasticity on wave propagation has been briefly illus-trated through the change of frequency spectra and waveform in several different viscoelastic models.