The effects of torsion and motion coupling in site response estimation

Soil amplification characteristics are investigated using data from the Chibaken‐Toho‐Oki earthquake and its aftershocks recorded at Chiba dense array in Japan. The frequency‐dependent amplification function of soil is calculated using uphole‐to‐downhole spectral ratio analysis, considering the horizontal components of shear wave. The identified spectral ratios consistently demonstrate the splitting of peaks in their resonance frequencies and low amplification values in comparison with a 1D model. The torsional behaviour and horizontal ground motion coupling are clarified as the reasons for these phenomena at the site. To prove the hypothesis, the torsional motion is directly evaluated using the data of the horizontal dense array in different depths at the site. The comparison between Fourier spectra of torsional motion and identified transfer functions reveals the peaks at the same frequencies. The wave equation including torsion and horizontal motion coupling is introduced and solved for the layered media by applying wave propagation theory. Using the developed model, the effects of torsional motion with horizontal motion coupling on soil transfer function are numerically examined. Splitting and low amplification at resonance frequencies are confirmed by the results of numerical analysis. Furthermore, the ground motion in two horizontal directions at the site is simulated using site geotechnical specification and optimizing the model parameters. The simulated and recorded motions demonstrate good agreement that is used to validate the hypothesis. In addition, the spectral density of torsional ground motions are compared with the calculated one and found to be well predicted by the model. Finally, the results are used to explain the overestimation of damping in back‐calculation of dynamic soil properties using vertical array data in small strain level. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vertical earthquake response of megawatt‐sized wind turbine with soil‐structure interaction effects

The dynamic response of a wind turbine on monopile is studied under horizontal and vertical earthquake excitations. The analyses are carried out using the finite element program SAP2000. The finite element model of the structure is verified against the results of shake table tests, and the earthquake response of the soil model is verified against analytical solutions of the steady‐state response of homogeneous strata. The focus of the analyses in this paper is the vertical earthquake response of wind turbines including the soil‐structure interaction effects. The analyses are carried out for both a non‐homogeneous stratum and a deep soil using the three‐step method. In addition, a procedure is implemented which allows one to perform coupled soil‐structure interaction analyses by properly tuning the damping in the tower structure. The analyses show amplification of the ground surface acceleration to the top of the tower by a factor of two. These accelerations are capable of causing damage in the turbine and the tower structure, or malfunctioning of the turbine after the earthquake; therefore, vertical earthquake excitation is considered a potential critical loading in design of wind turbines even in low‐to‐moderate seismic areas. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Side effect of using response spectral amplification ratios for soil sites—variability and earthquake-magnitude and source-distance dependent amplification ratios for soil sites

We investigate a special type of variability in response spectral amplification ratios computed from numerical “engineering” models for a soft soil site. The engineering models are defined by shallow soil layers over “engineering” bedrock with a shear-wave velocity over 600–700 m/s and the model is subjected to vertical propagating shear waves. The variability, perhaps unique in earthquake engineering, is a result of the “perfectly accurate” computational procedure. For example, an engineering soil site model, subjected to two rock site records or the two horizontal components of a rock site record, produces different response spectral amplification ratios. We use a large number of strong-motion records from “engineering” rock sites, with a reasonably balanced distribution with respect to magnitude and source distance, generated by subduction earthquakes in Japan, to investigate the nature of the variability. In order to avoid any approximation in removing the effect of soil nonlinear response, we use a simple model, a single horizontal soil layer over a bedrock, modelled as elastic. We then demonstrate that a similar type of variability observed in the one- or two-dimensional nonlinear soil models is caused by the nature of response spectral amplification ratios, not a direct result of soil nonlinear response. Examination of variability reveals that the average of response spectral amplification ratios systematically depends on both earthquake magnitude and source distance. We find that, at periods much longer than the site natural periods of the soil sites, the scatter of the amplification ratios decreases with increasing magnitude and source distance. These findings may have a potential impact in establishing design spectra for soft soil sites using strong-motion attenuation models or dynamic numerical modelling.     

Regional seismic responses of shallow basins incorporating site‐city interaction analyses on high‐rise building clusters

This study assesses the 3D amplification effects in shallow basins and quantifies the effects of site‐city interaction (SCI) on high‐rise buildings. A regional‐scale 3D spectral element simulation is conducted on the Tuen Mun‐Yuen Long basin, which contains multiple subbasins with heterogeneous and nonlinear soil profiles, while 3D city models with various building layouts are fully integrated into the basin model for our SCI study. We found a good correlation between spectral amplification factors and soil depths. Site response is significantly amplified at basin edges and centers due to surface waves generated at basin edges and the focusing effects stemming from 3D basin geometry. Transfer functions of 3D basins can be up to fourfold at fundamental frequencies as compared to 1D response, and further amplifications occur at high frequencies due to surface waves. In the SCI simulations, we observe wave trapping in the open space amid buildings resulting in energy concentration and up to twofold PGA amplifications. The wave trapping effect diminishes as the space between buildings increase beyond their range of influence (～100 m). The SCI analyses show that destructive kinetic energy in superstructures increases 28% in one horizontal direction but decreases 22% in the other. Our study concluded that, 1D site response analysis can significantly underestimate the seismic demand in shallow basins. Site‐city interaction of high‐rise buildings increases the short‐period spectra of ground motions, leading to an increase in their story accelerations by up to 50% and to a substantial decrease in the seismic safety of short structures in their vicinity.     

Seismic demand models for probabilistic risk analysis of near fault vertical ground motion effects on ordinary highway bridges

The influence of vertical ground motions on the seismic response of highway bridges is not very well understood. Recent studies suggest that vertical ground motions can substantially increase force and moment demands on bridge columns and girders and cannot be overlooked in seismic design of bridge structures. For an evaluation of vertical ground motion effects on the response of single‐bent two‐span highway bridges, a systematic study combining the critical engineering demand parameters (EDPs) and ground motion intensity measures (IMs) is required. Results of a parametric study examining a range of highway bridge configurations subjected to selected sets of horizontal and vertical ground motions are used to determine the structural parameters that are significantly amplified by the vertical excitations. The amplification in these parameters is modeled using simple equations that are functions of horizontal and vertical spectral accelerations at the corresponding horizontal and vertical fundamental periods of the bridge. This paper describes the derivation of seismic demand models developed for typical highway overcrossings by incorporating critical EDPs and combined effects of horizontal and vertical ground motion IMs depending on the type of the parameter and the period of the structure. These models may be used individually as risk‐based design tools to determine the probability of exceeding the critical levels of EDP for pre‐determined levels of ground shaking or may be included explicitly in probabilistic seismic risk assessments. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Torsional response of nonductile structures with soft‐first‐storey

In this paper, torsional response of nonductile structures with soft‐first‐storey subjected to bidirectional ground motions is studied using a simplified two‐storey model with two‐way eccentricities. The stiffness ratio of second storey to first storey is varied to create different levels of soft‐first‐storey effect, while the stiffness eccentricity is varied to create torsional effects. Different overstrength ratios are used in the simplified models to study the response of structure with different structural capacity. Hysteretic model with strength deterioration and stiffness degradation properties is used to capture the deterioration of element stiffness and strength. Ductility capacity of 2.0 is used as the models are for nonductile structures. In general, displacement amplification of irregular model with respect to regular model increases as stiffness ratio increases, while no consistent trend of changes in displacement amplification is found with increase in stiffness eccentricity. It is found that the displacement amplification due to only soft‐first‐storey effect can be conservatively taken as 1.5. Coupling of torsional and soft‐first‐storey effects is more significant in affecting the displacement amplification of elements at flexible side. The trend of changes in displacement amplification of elastic system is similar to that of inelastic system. The displacement amplification of elements at the flexible side is larger than that at the stiff side. The elements at the flexible side in the direction of shorter uncoupled lateral period have larger displacement response than those in the orthogonal direction. Ductility demand–capacity curves subsequently constructed can be used to approximately assess the seismic performance of existing structures and as guidelines for designing structures in Singapore to withstand the maximum credible earthquake considering the coupling of torsional and soft‐first‐storey effects. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

STUDY ON DYNAMIC RESPONSE AND INSTABILITY OF SOIL-ROCK MIXTURE DEPOSIT WITH DIFFERENT STONE CONTENTS AND SLOPE GRADIENTS

Soil-rock mixture deposit is an extremely heterogeneous loose rock-soil deposit formed since Quaternary, which is composed of blocks, fine-grained soil and pore with a certain engineering scale and high strength and has a certain stone content. These soil-rock mixtures accumulated on slopes have been completely destroyed and their mechanical strength is very low. They are widely distributed in the mountainous areas of Southwest China, which poses a great threat to the engineering. Earthquakes occur frequently in Southwest China, and the instability of soil-rock mixture deposit under seismic load is one of the important factors causing the damage to this type of deposit. The dynamic response of soil-rock mixture deposit under seismic load is an important index to study its instability mechanism under seismic load. Based on indoor shaking table model test, the influence of rock content and slope gradient on dynamic response characteristics of soil-rock mixture deposit was studied. In model tests, rock content is 30%, 40% and 50%respectively, and slope gradient varies from 20°, 30° and 40°. Two different seismic loading frequencies and three different excitation strengths were given. The peak acceleration(PGA)amplification coefficients in horizontal and vertical directions of soil-rock mixture deposit were analyzed under the change of rock content and slope gradient. The permanent displacement and deformation law of the top and foot of the slope of soil-rock mixture deposit were analyzed by model test. The experimental results show that the dynamic acceleration response characteristics of the soil-rock mixture deposits at the top and foot of the slope are different under different slope gradients and rock content conditions, and the horizontal PGA amplification coefficients of the soil-rock mixture deposits are also different. With the same seismic frequency and excitation intensity, the horizontal PGA amplification coefficient increases with increased slope gradient, and the rate gets faster. With the increase of stone content, the magnification coefficient of horizontal PGA decreases, and the higher the stone content, the slower the decrease rate of horizontal PGA magnification coefficient. When the slope gradient of soil-rock mixture deposit increases, the corresponding horizontal and vertical PGA amplification coefficients increase with the same seismic frequency and excitation intensity. The amplification coefficients of PGA in the vertical direction are different, but the overall magnification is weaker than that in the horizontal direction. The vertical PGA amplification coefficients of the foot, middle and lower parts of the slope are larger, while the vertical PGA amplification coefficients of the upper and middle parts of the slope tend to decrease. The higher the frequency of seismic wave is, the smaller the vertical PGA amplification coefficient corresponding to the same elevation will be, which indicates that the vertical PGA amplification coefficient is negatively correlated with the elevation. The variation trend of PGA magnification coefficient of soil-rock mixed deposit in vertical direction is different with the change of stone content. Under the same excitation intensity, the larger the slope gradient is, the larger the permanent displacement at the top of the slope will be, and the larger the rock content, the smaller the corresponding displacement at the top of the slope. The permanent displacement of the top of the slope is obviously larger than that of the foot of the slope, which indicates that the magnification effect of the top of the slope is obvious. After the vibration process and sliding of the landslide, the large-sized particles in the soil-rock mixture deposit move downward faster and slip on the surface of the deposit body. There was a very obvious phenomenon of particle sorting in the pile-up at the foot of the landslide body. The results of this study are of practical significance for the analysis of the dynamic response law of soil-rock mixture deposit under seismic load due to the change of rock content and slope gradient.     

Soil–pile–structure interaction under SH wave excitation

A continuum model for the interaction analysis of a fully coupled soil–pile–structure system under seismic excitation is presented in this paper. Only horizontal shaking induced by harmonic SH waves is considered so that the soil–pile–structure system is under anti‐plane deformation. The soil mass, pile and superstructure were all considered as elastic with hysteretic damping, while geometrically both pile and structures were simplified as a beam model. Buildings of various heights in Hong Kong designed to resist wind load were analysed using the present model. It was discovered that the acceleration of the piled‐structures at ground level can, in general, be larger than that of a free‐field shaking of the soil site, depending on the excitation frequency. For typical piled‐structures in Hong Kong, the amplification factor of shaking at the ground level does not show simple trends with the number of storeys of the superstructure, the thickness and the stiffness of soil, and the stiffness of the superstructure if number of storeys is fixed. The effect of pile stiffness on the amplification factor of shaking is, however, insignificant. Thus, simply increasing the pile size or the superstructure stiffness does not necessarily improve the seismic resistance of the soil–pile–structure system; on the contrary, it may lead to excessive amplification of shaking for the whole system. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A process‐based transfer function approach to model tile‐drain hydrographs

Tile‐drain response to rainfall events is determined by unsaturated vertical flow to the water table, followed by horizontal saturated water movement. In this study, unsaturated vertical movement from the redistribution of water is modelled using a sharp‐front approximation, and the saturated horizontal flow is modelled by an approximate solution to the Boussinesq equation. The unsaturated flow component models the fast response that is associated with the presence of preferential flow paths. By convoluting the responses of the two components, a transfer function is developed that predicts tile‐drain response to unit amounts of infiltrated water. It is observed that the unsaturated flow component can be cast in a form that is linear in a power function of the infiltrated depth. Since the approach is process based, model parameter definitions are easily identified with soil properties at the field scale. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the transfer function model parameters can be estimated from moment analysis. Using superposition, the transient tile‐drain response to arbitrary amounts of infiltrated water can be constructed. Comparison with data measured from the Water Quality Field Station show that this approach provides a promising method for generating tile‐drain response to rainfall events. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic response of L��Aquila downtown from comparison between 2D synthetics spectral ratios of SH, P-SV and Rayleigh waves and observations of the 2009 earthquake sequence

This is the first part of a study on the seismic response of the L’Aquila city using 2D simulation and experimental data. We have studied two velocity-depth models with the aim of outlining the behavior of a velocity reversal in the top layer, which is associated with the stiff Brecce de L’Aquila unit (BrA). In this setting, the SMTH model is topped by a layer with about 2:1 impedance contrast with the underlying layer while the NORV model has no velocity reversal. We have simulated the propagation of SH and P-SV wavefields in the range 0–10 Hz for incidence 0°–90°. Earthquake spectral ratios of the horizontal and vertical components at six sites in L’Aquila downtown are compared to corresponding synthetics spectral ratios. The vertical component of P-SV synthetics enables us to investigate a remarkable amplification effect seen in the vertical component of the recorded strong motion. Sites AQ04 and AQ05 are best matched by synthetics from the NORV model while FAQ5 and AQ06 have a better match with synthetics spectral ratios from the SMTH model. All simulations show this behavior systematically, with horizontal and near-horizontal incident waves predicting the overall pattern of matches more clearly than vertical and near-vertical incidence. The model inferences are in agreement with new geological data reporting lateral passages in the top layer from the stiff BrA to softer sediments. Matches are good in terms of frequency of the first amplification peak and of spectral amplitude: the horizontal components have spectral ratio peaks predominantly at 0.5 Hz in the simulations and at 0.7 Hz in the data, both with amplitudes of 4, while the vertical component spectral ratios reach values of 6 at frequencies of about 1 Hz in both data and simulations. The vertical component spectral ratios are very well matched using Rayleigh waves with incidence at 90°. The NORV model without the velocity reversal predicts spectral ratio peaks for the horizontal components at frequencies up to 6 Hz. The reversal of velocity acts as a low-pass frequency filter on the horizontal components reducing the amplification effect of the sediment filled valley.     

Applicability of the H/V spectral ratio of microtremors in assessing site effects on seismic motion

The authors examine the reliability of site response estimations obtained by the horizontal to vertical (H/V) spectral ratios of microtremors by means of cross‐validation with the ratio of the horizontal spectra of earthquake motion with respect to reference sites. The data comprise microtremor and ground motion records recorded at 150 sites of Yokohama strong motion array. The use of non‐supervised pattern recognition techniques aims to group the sites with more objectivity. Attributes defining the overall shape of the amplification spectra serve as input in the computation of Euclidean distance similarity coefficients amongst sites. The implementation of the Ward clustering scheme leads to the attainment of a meaningful tree diagram. Its analysis shows the possibility of summarizing the results into six general patterns. A good coincidence of site effects estimates at 80 per cent of the sites becomes apparent. However, this coincidence appears poor for sites characterized by H/V amplification ratios around 2 or smaller and predominant periods longer than 0.5 s. In such cases, the presence of stiff, sandy sediments in the soil profile proves common. To proscribe H/V estimations, relying solely on the small spectral ratios criterion seems inadequate. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

强震作用下黄土隧道洞口段地震动放大效应研究

针对黄土地区山岭隧道面临的强震灾害现实特点,以强震作用下洞口周边土体与隧道结构的地震动放大效应为主要研究目标,通过建立三维数值模型,重点研究不同坡度、坡高与入洞高程模型的坡面高程方向、水平方向以及衬砌结构的加速度与位移响应规律,提出坡面加固区范围和隧道抗震设防长度建议值。研究结果表明:仰坡高度、坡角及进洞高程的变化,均会对隧道洞口段地震响应规律和破坏模式产生重要影响,缓坡易发生坡底处的剪切破坏,而陡坡易发生坡顶的拉裂破坏;随着边坡高度的增大,边坡的滑动破坏范围逐渐增大;隧道的存在对坡面地震动高程放大效应有明显"抑制"作用,在洞口水平向存在动力响应放大区,范围为2.1～2.8倍洞径;通过分析隧道衬砌沿进深方向的动力响应规律,建议黄土隧道洞口段抗震设防长度最小值为3倍洞径。     

地震动参数对斜坡加速度动力响应规律的影响

2008年‘5.12’汶川大地震诱发斜坡地质灾害在空间分布上表现出了明显的高程效应和岩性效应。本文采用上硬下软和上软下硬两种典型岩性组合斜坡模型,完成了1:100比尺的振动台试验。文中重点分析了地震波类型(频谱)、激振方向和地震动三参数对斜坡模型水平向加速度动力响应规律的影响。分析结果表明:(1)水平单向激振时,15Hz正弦波和汶川地震波作用下的高程放大效应主要体现在斜坡模型中上段,两者在上软下硬组合斜坡模型中产生了近乎相同的水平向加速度动力响应规律,原因主要在于两者的卓越频率接近。(2)模型对合成向汶川地震波的放大作用依次超过单向水平向和竖直向汶川波的作用,且合成向与水平单向汶川地震波的作用规律基本相同。(3)随着振动强度增加,模型对低频波的放大作用增强。(4)在合成向汶川地震动作用下,随着振动强度增加,模型各高程处的水平向加速度峰值(PGA)逐渐增加,其相应的放大系数在模型中上段逐渐降低至2.0以下,最终趋于平缓,表明模型沿高程向的放大效应逐渐减弱。此外,各参数对模型的水平向加速度响应因模型自身的岩性组合结构而异,随着振动强度增加,上硬下软斜坡模型中上部的水平向速度响应值基本保持在1.0～2.7倍于上软下硬斜坡模型中上部的水平向加速度响应值这一水平。     

Experimental characterization,modeling and identification of the NEES‐UCSD shake table mechanical system

This paper proposes a simple conceptual mathematical model for the mechanical components of the NEES‐UCSD large high‐performance outdoor shaking table and focuses on the identification of the parameters of the model by using an extensive set of experimental data. An identification approach based on the measured hysteresis response is used to determine the fundamental model parameters including the effective horizontal mass, effective horizontal stiffness of the table, and the coefficients of the classical Coulomb friction and viscous damping elements representing the various dissipative forces in the system. The effectiveness of the proposed conceptual model is verified through a comparison of analytical predictions with experimental results for various tests conducted on the system. The resulting mathematical model will be used in future studies to model the mechanical components of the shake table in a comprehensive physics‐based model of the entire mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural and nonstructural performance of a seismically isolated building using stable unbonded fiber‐reinforced elastomeric isolators

Stable unbonded fiber‐reinforced elastomeric isolators (SU‐FREIs) exhibit a characteristic horizontal softening and stiffening response, similar to other adaptive devices such as the triple friction pendulum and sliding systems with variable curvature. The transition between the softening and stiffening occurs at a displacement corresponding to a unique deformation known as full rollover. In this paper, the full rollover displacement of SU‐FREIs is altered by using modified support geometry (MSG), a geometric modification of the upper and lower supports applied to tailor the hysteresis loops of the isolator. Experimental results are used to calibrate a numerical model of a base‐isolated structure. The model demonstrates that the stiffening regime provides minimal restraint against displacements during events that meet or exceed the maximum considered earthquake. A parametric study revealed that the level of stiffening required to restrain displacements during large events is significant. This increase in stiffness is reflected in an increase in the response of the structure and light nonstructural components. Full rollover and MSG is considered advantageous to maintain horizontal stability and provide control over the stiffening of SU‐FREIs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigation of non-linear site amplification at two downhole strong ground motion arrays in Taiwan

Non-linear seismic response of soil is studied by comparing the spectral ratios of surface to downhole horizontal accelerations on weak and strong motion. Data from two boreholes are analysed. One is drilled in the alluvial deposits in the south–west quadrant of the SMART 1 array. The second one penetrates Pleistocene terrace deposits in the northern part of the SMART2 array. Observed weak and strong motion spectral ratios are compared with the theoretical ones predicted by the geotechnical soil model which postulates a hysteretic constitutive law. A significant non-linear response is found at the first site for the events with surface peak acceleration exceeding roughly 0–15g. Deamplification of the strong motion occurred in the frequency range from approximately 1 to 10 Hz. The maximum observed difference between the average weak and strong motion amplification functions of an 11 m-thick near-surface stratum is a factor of 2–3. Nonlinear response characteristics are in qualitative agreement with the model. An additional corollary is that the amplification function calculated from the shear wave coda is equivalent to the average amplification calculated over the ensemble of small earthquakes. No statistically significant non-linear response is detected on the second array, that is tentatively accounted for by the stiffer soil conditions and weaker accelerations achieved at the SMART2 site. The results indicate that the non-linear amplification can be detectable at certain soil conditions above a threshold acceleration level.     

基于振动台试验的黄土场地效应研究

地震作用下黄土场地对地震波不同分量的放大效应影响显著。针对黄土高原典型黄土场地在地震作用下的放大效应,设计并完成大型地震模拟振动台试验,通过输入不同强度的地震动荷载,研究黄土场地加速度（PGA）放大系数、傅里叶谱、加速度反应谱、H/V谱比与地震动强度和场地高度的变化规律,揭示地震波不同分量对黄土场地效应的影响。结果显示：黄土场地对地震波的水平分量具有明显的放大效应,对地震波垂直分量的放大效应影响较小;随着高程的增加,地震波水平分量PGA放大系数呈现非线性变化;随着地震动强度和高程的增加水平分量卓越频率的频段和幅值逐渐增加,卓越频率向低频偏移,放大倍数呈现出非线性特性。     

Wave‐driven inertial oscillations

Abstract

In a nonrotating system, the shear Reynolds stresses exerted by surface or internal gravity waves vanish on account of the exact quadrature between the horizontal and vertical orbital velocities. It is shown that a rotation of the system induces small in‐phase perturbations, resulting in a mean Reynolds stress which can generate low frequency currents. If both the wave field and the ocean are homogeneous with respect to the horizontal coordinates, the low‐frequency response is an undamped inertial oscillation. If either the wave field or the ocean are weakly inhomogeneous, the oscillation disperses in the vertical and horizontal directions due to phase‐mixing of modes with closely neighboring frequencies. Other effects which produce small frequency shifts also contribute to phase‐mixing, for example the horizontal component of the Coriolis vector and nonlinear interactions with geo‐strophic currents. The analysis is based on operator representations which avoid normal mode decomposition and yield simple integro‐differential operators for each phase‐mixing process. Numerical results are presented for a continuously stratified model typical for a shallow sea (Baltic). The orders of magnitude and qualitative features are in reasonable agreement with observations.     

一种分析岩土模型地震受力变形的方法

在国内外岩土模型动力试验中,一般以图表形式对监测区域进行逐一动态分析,无法直观形象的掌握试验模型整体受力变形,为深入分析动态响应机理带来一定的不便。以前-后排抗滑桩加固斜坡桥基的大型振动台模型试验为例,通过在岩土体中埋设一定数量的自制磷青铜带和水平加速度计,监测滑坡变形和加速度响应,结合已知测点的水平坐标和竖向坐标,利用Renka Cline随机矩阵生成方法转换为数字矩阵形式,据此绘制坡体变形及PGA放大系数的二维等势图。试验结果显示,二维等势图能合理反映斜坡PGA放大系数的变化规律,揭示振动波作用下斜坡变形破坏的基本特征,研究结论和试验现象保持一致,满足斜坡模型整体受力变形分析的基本要求,可以作为一种实用的试验分析方法。     

Effects of near‐fault ground motions on the nonlinear dynamic response of base‐isolated r.c. framed buildings

Near‐fault ground motions are characterized by long‐period horizontal pulses and high values of the ratio between the peak value of the vertical acceleration, PGA_V, and the analogous value of the horizontal acceleration, PGA_H, which can become critical for base‐isolated (BI) structures. The objective of the present work is to check the effectiveness of the base isolation of framed buildings when using High‐Damping‐Rubber Bearings (HDRBs), taking into consideration the combined effects of the horizontal and vertical components of near‐fault ground motions. To this end, a numerical investigation is carried out with reference to BI reinforced concrete buildings designed according to the European seismic code (Eurocode 8). The design of the test structures is carried out in a high‐risk region considering (besides the gravity loads) the horizontal seismic loads acting alone or in combination with the vertical ones and assuming different values of the ratio between the vertical and horizontal stiffnesses of the HDRBs. The nonlinear seismic analysis is performed using a step‐by‐step procedure based on a two‐parameter implicit integration scheme and an initial‐stress‐like iterative procedure. At each step of the analysis, plastic conditions are checked at the potential critical sections of the girders (i.e. end sections of the sub‐elements in which a girder is discretized) and columns (i.e. end sections), where a bilinear moment–curvature law is adopted; the effect of the axial load on the ultimate bending moment (M‐N interaction) of the columns is also taken into account. The response of an HDRB is simulated by a model with variable stiffness properties in the horizontal and vertical directions, depending on the axial force and lateral deformation, and linear viscous damping. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.