In situ experiment on retrofit of school buildings by adding sandwich columns to partition brick walls

Many significantly strong earthquakes have occurred over the years in Taiwan, which have caused tremendous damage to primary and middle school buildings; the 921 Chi‐Chi earthquake was particularly devastating. According to statistics, 786 schools (1,958 classrooms) were damaged on September 21, 1999 during this earthquake event. The devastation showed that a lack of seismic performance is a common problem for existing school buildings in Taiwan. Therefore, the retrofit of existing school buildings has become an urgent issue in the prevention of possible damage in the future. The retrofit technique of adding sandwich columns to partition brick walls is proposed in this paper, and the feasibility of the proposed method was verified by in situ pushover tests of two real school buildings, one without and one with retrofit. The experimental and analytical results show that the sandwich column itself contributes significantly to the seismic capacity of the examined school building. Moreover, the analytical results yielded conservative capacity curves when compared with the experimental results. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Wave dispersion in high‐rise buildings due to soil–structure interaction

Nonparametric techniques for estimation of wave dispersion in buildings by seismic interferometry are applied to a simple model of a soil–structure interaction (SSI) system with coupled horizontal and rocking response. The system consists of a viscously damped shear beam, representing a building, on a rigid foundation embedded in a half‐space. The analysis shows that (i) wave propagation through the system is dispersive. The dispersion is characterized by lower phase velocity (softening) in the band containing the fundamental system mode of vibration, and little change in the higher frequency bands, relative to the building shear wave velocity. This mirrors its well‐known effect on the frequencies of vibration, i.e. reduction for the fundamental mode and no significant change for the higher modes of vibration, in agreement with the duality of the wave and vibrational nature of structural response. Nevertheless, the phase velocity identified from broader band impulse response functions is very close to the superstructure shear wave velocity, as found by an earlier study of the same model. The analysis reveals that (ii) the reason for this apparent paradox is that the latter estimates are biased towards the higher values, representative of the higher frequencies in the band, where the response is less affected by SSI. It is also discussed that (iii) bending flexibility and soil flexibility produce similar effects on the phase velocities and frequencies of vibration of a building. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental assessment of contact forces on a rigid base following footing uplift

A number of investigations in the recent decades have shown that footing uplift can reduce the seismic loading on a structure. Guidelines to design a structure with seismic uplift capability have been proposed. However, these studies mainly focus on the structural response and neglect the impact forces on the footing from re‐contact between the footing and the supporting medium. A small number of computational studies of the induced forces on the footing have been performed. This paper presents the results of free vibrations and shake table tests on a single degree‐of‐freedom model of a bridge pier with footing uplift on a rigid base. Two support conditions are considered, that is, footing fixed to the base and footing free to uplift on a rigid base. Load cells were placed at the interface of the footing and rigid base to measure the contact forces during structural vibration. The footing responses of both flexible and rigid structures due to free vibration are compared. The results show that the flexibility of the structure has significant effects on footing uplift duration and amplitude and reduces the contact force, in some cases very significantly. The flexible structure was also subjected to harmonic base excitations. It is found that varying the characteristics of the excitation changes the uplift amplitude but does not affect the contact force significantly. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

软土地基核电厂房动力响应振动台试验

为了分析软土地基－筏基础核电厂房结构地震反应规律和特征,利用地震模拟振动台开展了软土地基－筏基础－核电厂房动力相互作用问题的试验研究。分别进行了表面水平土体模型和表面凹陷土体模型的运动相互作用试验、地基土－筏基础－核电厂房振动台相互作用试验、核电厂房直接固定在振动台面上的刚性基底振动台试验。试验采用圆形叠层剪切模型箱,地基土模型为某工程场地的均匀粉质粘土,其剪切波速为213 m/s;核电厂房简化为3层框架剪力墙结构模型。试验输入波形为美国核电规范常用的RG1.60反应谱合成得到的人工地震动时程。振动台试验结果对比分析表明:土－结构体系中系统的振动周期和阻尼明显大于刚性基底下结构的振动周期和阻尼;相同地震作用下在土－结构动力相互作用体系中结构加速度明显小于刚性基底下的结构加速度反应;而位移明显大于刚性基底下结构的位移。本文的研究成果可为软土地基建立核岛厂房的适应研究提供参考。     

Seismic response of tall building considering soil-pile-structure interaction

The seismic behavior of tall buildings can be greatly affected by non-linear soil-pile interaction during strong earthquakes. In this study a 20-storey building is examined as a typical structure supported on a pile foundation for different conditions: (1) rigid base, i.e. no deformation in the foundation: (2) linear soil-pile system; and (3) nonlinear soil-pile system. The effects of pile foundation displacements on the behavior of tall building are investigated, and compared with the behavior of buildings supported on shallow foundation. With a model of non-reflective boundary between the near field and far field, Novak’s method of soil-pile interaction is improved. The computation method for vibration of pile foundations and DYNAN computer program are introduced comprehensively. A series of dynamic experiments have been done on full-scale piles, including single pile and group, linear vibration and nonlinear vibration, to verify the validity of boundary zone model.     

In situ experiments and seismic analysis of existing buildings. Part II: Seismic integrity threshold

The interest of in situ measurements (presented in Part I paper) for a seismic assessment of existing buildings is analysed in this paper. It is shown that the experimental modal characteristics obtained on regular concrete structures are described successfully by suited Timoshenko beam modelling. For a given structure, taking into account the experimental data, the corresponding beam model, and choosing the maximum tensile strain of concrete as damage criterion for key structural elements, a maximum level of the ground acceleration can be determined. This so‐called seismic integrity threshold is directly related to the onset of structural damages. This new approach is illustrated on one of the studied buildings. The advantages of using ambient vibrations survey for the vulnerability assessment of existing buildings are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamic soil–structure interaction effects on the seismic response of asymmetric buildings

An approach is formulated for the linear analysis of three-dimensional dynamic soil–structure interaction of asymmetric buildings in the time domain, in order to evaluate the seismic response behaviour of torsionally coupled buildings. The asymmetric building is idealized as a single-storey three-dimensional system resting on different soil conditions. The soil beneath the superstructure is modeled as linear elastic solid elements. The contact surface between foundation mat and solid elements of soil is discretised by linear plane interface elements with zero thickness. An interface element is further developed to function between the rigid foundation and soil. As an example, the response of soil–structure interaction of torsionally coupled system under two simultaneous lateral components of El Centro 1940 earthquake records has been evaluated and the effects of base flexibility on the response behaviour of the system are verified.     

Seismic response and damage analysis of buildings supported on flexible soils

The investigation reported in this paper studies the effects of soil–structure interaction (SSI) on the seismic response and damage of building–foundation systems. A simple structural model is used for conducting a parametric study using a typical record obtained in the soft soil area of Mexico City during the 1985 earthquake. Peak response parameters chosen for this study were the roof displacement relative to the base and the hysteretic energy dissipated by the simple structural model. A damage parameter is also evaluated for investigating the SSI effects on the seismic damage of buildings. The results indicate that in most cases of inelastic response, SSI effects can be evaluated considering the rigid‐base case and the SSI period. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

高层钢结构基于均匀损伤设计的整体抗震能力提高方法

本文主要研究如何通过合理设计来提高高层钢结构的整体抗震能力。首先,给出了高层钢结构的非线性计算模型;其次,建立了高层钢结构在强地震动作用下的倒塌失效模式的极限状态判别准则;然后,通过模态pushover分析,研究了高层钢结构在水平地震作用下的损伤规律;最后,重点研究了高层钢结构的整体抗震能力的提高方法,提出了均匀损伤的设计方法,该方法通过消除结构的薄弱层,来达到提高高层钢结构的整体抗震能力的目的。通过对两栋20层的高层钢框架结构进行极限时程分析和极限pushover分析,验证了文中提出的均匀损伤的设计方法的可行性。本文的工作可为高层钢结构的抗地震倒塌设计提供参考依据。     

Experimental tests on full‐scale RC unretrofitted frame and retrofitted with buckling‐restrained braces

The results of experimental tests carried out on reinforced concrete (RC) full‐scale 2‐storey 2‐bays framed buildings are presented. The unretrofitted frame was designed for gravity loads only and without seismic details; such frame was assumed as a benchmark system in this study. A similar RC frame was retrofitted with buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs). The earthquake structural performance of both prototypes was investigated experimentally using displacement‐controlled pushover static and cyclic lateral loads. Modal response properties of the prototypes were also determined before and after the occurrence of structural damage. The results of the dynamic response analyses were utilized to assess the existing design rules for the estimation of the elastic and inelastic period of vibrations. Similarly, the values of equivalent damping were compared with code‐base relationships. It was found that the existing formulations need major revisions when they are used to predict the structural response of as‐built RC framed buildings. The equivalent damping ratio ξ_eq was augmented by more than 50% when the BRBs was employed as bracing system. For the retrofitted frame, the overstrength Ω and the ductility µ are 1.6 and 4.1, respectively; the estimated R‐factor is 6.5. The use of BRBs is thus a viable means to enhance efficiently the lateral stiffness and strength, the energy absorption and dissipation capacity of the existing RC substandard frame buildings. The foundation systems and the existing members of the superstructure are generally not overstressed as the seismic demand imposed on them can be controlled by the axial stiffness and the yielding force of the BRBs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Displacement capacity of masonry buildings as a basis for the assessment of behavior factor: an experimental study

The results of shaking table tests of a series of 1:5 scale masonry building models have been used for the assessment of values of structural behavior factor q for masonry structures, seismic force reduction factors proposed for the calculation of design seismic loads by Eurocode 8, European standard for the design of structures for earthquake resistance. Six models have been tested, representing prototype buildings of two different structural configurations and built with two different types of masonry materials. The study indicated that the reduction of seismic forces for the design depends not only on the type of masonry construction system, but also on structural configuration and mechanical characteristics of masonry materials. It has been also shown that besides displacement and energy dissipation capacity, damage limitation requirement should be taken into account when evaluating the values of behavior factor. On the basis of analysis of experimental results a conclusion can be made, that the values at the upper limit of the proposed range of values of structural behavior factor q for unreinforced and confined masonry construction systems are adequate, if pushover methods are used and the calculated global ductility of the structure is compared with the displacement demand. In the case where elastic analysis methods are used and significant overstrength is expected, the proposed values are conservative. However, additional research and parametric studies are needed to propose the modifications.     

分层土-基础-高层框架结构相互作用体系振动台模型试验研究

本文设计实现了分层土－基础－高层框架结构相互作用体系的振动台模型试验，再现了地震动激励下上部结构和基础的震害现象和砂质粉土的液化现象。通过试验，研究了相互作用体系地震动反应的主要规律：由于动力相互作用的影响，软土地基中相互作用体系的频率小于不考虑结构－地基相互作用的结构频率，而阻尼比则大于结构材料阻尼比；体系的振型曲线与刚性地基上结构的振型曲线明显不同，基础处存在平动和转动。土层传递振动的放大或减振作用与土层性质、激励大小等因素有关，砂土层一般起放大作用，砂质粉土层一般起减振隔振作用；由于土体的隔震作用，上部结构接受的振动能量较小，各层反应均较小。上部结构顶层加速度反应组成取决于基础转动刚度、平动刚度和上部结构刚度的相对大小。     

Quantification of fundamental frequency drop for unreinforced masonry buildings from dynamic tests

The knowledge of fundamental frequency and damping ratio of structures is of uppermost importance in earthquake engineering, especially to estimate the seismic demand. However, elastic and plastic frequency drops and damping variations make their estimation complex. This study quantifies and models the relative frequency drop affecting low‐rise modern masonry buildings and discusses the damping variations based on two experimental data sets: Pseudo‐dynamic tests at ELSA laboratory in the frame of the ESECMaSE project and in situ forced vibration tests by EMPA and EPFL. The relative structural frequency drop is shown to depend mainly on shaking amplitude, whereas the damping ratio variations could not be explained by the shaking amplitude only. Therefore, the absolute frequency value depends mostly on the frequency at low amplitude level, the amplitude of shaking and the construction material. The decrease in shape does not vary significantly with increasing damage. Hence, this study makes a link between structural dynamic properties, either under ambient vibrations or under strong motions, for low‐rise modern masonry buildings. A value of 2/3 of the ambient vibration frequency is found to be relevant for the earthquake engineering assessment for this building type. However, the effect of soil–structure interaction that is shown to also affect these parameters has to be taken into account. Therefore, an analytical methodology is proposed to derive first the fixed‐base frequency before using these results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic strengthening of an under‐designed RC structure with FRP

The opportunities provided by the use of fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) for the seismic retrofit of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures were assessed on a full‐scale three‐story framed structure. The structure, designed only for gravity loads, was subjected to a bi‐directional pseudo‐dynamic (PsD) test at peak ground acceleration (PGA) equal to 0.20g at the ELSA Laboratory of the Joint Research Centre. The seismic deficiencies exhibited by the structure after the test were confirmed by post‐test assessment of structural seismic capacity performed by nonlinear static pushover analysis implemented on the lumped plasticity model of the structure. In order to allow the structure to withstand 0.30g PGA seismic actions, a retrofit using glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates was designed. The retrofit design was targeted to achieve a more ductile and energy dissipating global performance of the structure by increasing the ductility of columns and preventing brittle failure modes. Design assumptions and criteria along with nonlinear static pushover analysis to assess the overall capacity of the FRP‐retrofitted structure are presented and discussed. After the retrofit execution, a new series of PsD tests at both 0.20g and 0.30g PGA level were carried out. Theoretical predictions are compared with the main experimental outcomes to assess the effectiveness of the proposed retrofit technique and validate the adopted design procedures. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

考虑土与结构相互作用效应的结构减震控制大型振动台模型试验研究

本文设计并完成了考虑土与结构相互作用的结构减震控制大型振动台模型试验。通过对四种结构形式的对比试验，探讨了土与结构相互作用（ＳＳＩ）效应对结构地震反应的影响以及调谐质量阻尼器（ＴＭＤ）在刚性和柔性地基条件下对主体结构的减震效应。通过比较同一地震动作用下主体结构在刚性和柔性两种地基条件下的地震反应，可知：ＳＳＩ效应具有降低和提高结构减震控制效果的双重作用，其综合效果与输入地震动的频谱特性、加速度峰值大小有关。由于ＳＳＩ效应在结构地震反应中发挥着双重的作用，因而使得基于刚性地基假定下设计的ＴＭＤ减震控制系统在柔性地基条件下的控制效果不太理想，甚至会出现负面效应。本文还探讨了在柔性地基条件下影响结构减震控制效果的一些因素。     

Lateral load pattern in pushover analysis

The seismic capacity curves of three types of buildings including frame, frame-shear wall and shear wall obtained by pushover analysis under different lateral load patterns are compared with those from nonlinear time history analysis. Based on the numerical results obtained a two-phase load pattern; an inverted triangle (first mode) load pattern until the base shear force reachesβ times its maximum value, V_max, followed by a (x/H)^α form, hereβ and α being some coefficients depending on the type of the structures considered, is proposed in the paper, which can provide excellent approximation of the seismic capacity curve for low-to-mid-rise shear type buildings. Furthermore, it is shown both the two-phase load pattern proposed and the invariant uniform pattern can be used for low-to-mid-rise shear-bending type and low-rise bending type of buildings. No suitable load patterns have been found for high-rise buildings.     

Response reduction factor of irregular RC buildings in Kathmandu valley

Most current seismic design includes the nonlinear response of a structure through a response reduction factor(R). This allows the designer to use a linear elastic force-based approach while accounting for nonlinear behavior and deformation limits. In fact, the response reduction factor is used in modern seismic codes to scale down the elastic response of a structure. This study focuses on estimating the actual ‘R' value for engineered design/construction of reinforced concrete(RC) buildings in Kathmandu valley. The ductility and overstrength of representative RC buildings in Kathmandu are investigated. Nonlinear pushover analysis was performed on structural models in order to evaluate the seismic performance of buildings. Twelve representative engineered irregular buildings with a variety of characteristics located in the Kathmandu valley were selected and studied. Furthermore, the effects of overstrength on the ductility factor, beam column capacity ratio on the building ductility, and load path on the response reduction factor, are examined. Finally, the results are further analyzed and compared with different structural parameters of the buildings.     

Identification of modal parameters of a 600-m-high skyscraper from field vibration tests

Accurate prediction of the dynamic responses of a high-rise building subjected to dynamic loads such as earthquake and wind excitations requires the information of its structural dynamic properties such as modal parameters including natural frequencies and damping ratios. This paper presents the identification results of the modal parameters based on field vibration tests on a 600-m high skyscraper. A set of tests, including ambient vibration test (AVT) and free vibration test (FVT), were conducted on the skyscraper to identify its modal parameters. Firstly, this paper presents and discusses the modal parameters of the skyscraper assessed by several identification methods applied to the AVT measurements. These methods include the wavelet transform (WT) method, the stochastic subspace identification (SSI) method, and the random decrement technique (RDT). Secondly, an active mass damper (AMD) system with total mass 1000 tons equipped into the skyscraper was used to excite the building for estimation of the modal parameters by FVT. Thirdly, this paper presents observations on the structural dynamic behavior of the skyscraper with the operation of the AMD system during a typhoon event. The field measurement results show that the AMD system functioned efficiently for suppression of the wind-induced vibrations of the skyscraper during the typhoon. This paper aims to further understand the structural dynamic properties of super-tall buildings and provide useful information for structural design and vibration control of future skyscrapers.     

剪切型结构的抗震强度折减系数研究

为了研究剪切型结构抗震强度需求的变化规律,本文基于单自由度体系的非线性时程分析,研究了不同场地条件下延性折减系数与位移延性系数和结构自振周期的关系;采用修正等效单自由度体系位移延性折减系数的方法,研究了剪切型多自由度体系的延性折减系数;以基于中国建筑抗震规范设计的代表不同抗震能力要求的RC框架结构为分析对象,通过静力弹塑性分析,研究了RC框架结构的体系超强能力。分析结果表明场地类别、位移延性水准和结构振动周期对单自由度体系的延性折减系数有显著的影响;多自由度体系的抗震延性折减系数明显比其相应的等效单自由度体系的抗震延性折减系数小;RC框架结构的超强系数一般随结构楼层数的增加而减小,随抗震设防烈度的增大而减小,内框架的超强系数比边框架的超强系数大。