Application of neural networks in natural periods identification and simulation of prefabricated buildings response

The paper deals with an application of neural networks for detection of natural periods of vibrations of prefabricated, medium height buildings. The neural network technique is also used to simulate the dynamic response at selected floor of one of the analysed buildings subject to seismic loading induced by explosives in a nearby quarry. Both the training and testing patterns were formulated on the basis of measurements performed on actual structures. The results of neural network identification of natural periods of the considered buildings obtained with different soil, geometrical and stiffness parameters are compared with the results of experiments. The application of back-propagation neural networks enables us to identify the natural periods of the buildings with accuracy quite satisfactory for engineering practice. The experimental and generated data of vibration displacements are compared and much clearer comparison is given on the phase plane: displacements versus velocities. It was stated that a good generalization takes place both with respect to displacements and velocities.     

Mapping soil effects in Barcelona, Spain, through an integrated GIS environment

Maps of soil response for the city of Barcelona have been for the first time obtained through a GIS environment that integrates the different procedures for soil response estimation within a single tool. These maps constitute part of the results of the local scale application of the computer prototype for seismic risk assessment that was developed within the European project SERGISAI. The approach involves: collection of available data relevant to local geology, implementation of geotechnical models, estimation of the reference seismic action, generation of synthetic strong-motion time histories, and soil response calculation through 1D analytical method. The resulting predictive hazard maps of predominant period and amplification ratio delineate potential variations on ground shaking and constitute a first approximation towards an integrated approach to Barcelona urban area microzonation. Analysis of the observed differences, when comparing the analytical results in this study with previous empirical studies, provides a useful feedback to establish site dependence suitability and reliability of methods, to extract information on at-present inaccessible parameters needed for the characterisation of physical properties of soil, and also to delimit those areas where further in-depth survey research is needed for a proper seismic hazard assessment.     

Characterization of seismic hazard and structural response by energy flux

Seismic safety of structures depends on the structure's ability to absorb the seismic energy that is transmitted from ground to structure. One parameter that can be used to characterize seismic energy is the energy flux. Energy flux is defined as the amount of energy transmitted per unit time through a cross-section of a medium, and is equal to kinetic energy multiplied by the propagation velocity of seismic waves. The peak or the integral of energy flux can be used to characterize ground motions. By definition, energy flux automatically accounts for site amplification. Energy flux in a structure can be studied by formulating the problem as a wave propagation problem. For buildings founded on layered soil media and subjected to vertically incident plane shear waves, energy flux equations are derived by modeling the building as an extension of the layered soil medium, and considering each story as another layer. The propagation of energy flux in the layers is described in terms of the upgoing and downgoing energy flux in each layer, and the energy reflection and transmission coefficients at each interface. The formulation results in a pair of simple finite-difference equations for each layer, which can be solved recursively starting from the bedrock. The upgoing and downgoing energy flux in the layers allows calculation of the energy demand and energy dissipation in each layer. The methodology is applicable to linear, as well as nonlinear structures.     

Ground vibrations from sheetpile driving in urban environment: measurements, analysis and effects on buildings and occupants

Following a comprehensive review of the subject of man-made ground vibrations, measurements of ground vibration caused by vibratory sheetpile driving in recent soil deposits are reported in terms of particle velocities vs. distance from the source of vibration. The measurements were conducted on paved surfaces and sidewalks in the inner urban environment. Reconstructed particle displacement paths indicated, predominantly, vertical vibrations of the Rayleigh type. The attenuation rate of vibrations with distance was compared to published results of other studies and satisfactory agreement was found to exist. Values of particle velocity measured in this study, however, were lower than corresponding values of other studies under comparable values of rated vibratory kinetic energy. This is possibly due to different soil conditions. Average and upper bound linear log–log attenuation relationships are proposed, which fit the results of measurements and are representative of the conditions likely to be encountered in the urban environment. Measurement of vibrations on higher floors of multistory reinforced concrete buildings indicated a significant amplification of vertical vibration and an average curve for amplification magnitude vs. floor level was fitted to the results of measurements. A comparison of measured values of vibration with the observed performance of buildings and with damage threshold values suggested by existing codes and standards indicated that the latter do not provide safety against damage caused by vibratory densification of loose sandy soils. On the other hand, the existing criteria for human exposure to vibrations in buildings, according to the results of this study, seem to adequately define the degrees of human discomfort.     

State-of-the-art of geotechnical earthquake engineering practice

Major developments in geotechnical earthquake engineering practice over the last 15 years are reviewed. The objectives of the review are to present a coherent view of the current state of practice at the highest level and to examine trends, which may shape practice in the future. Developments are described in the following areas: specification of design ground motions, dynamic response analysis, evaluation of liquefaction potential, evaluation of residual strength of liquefied soil, post-liquefaction displacement analysis, and seismic risk analysis.     

预应力混凝土结构非线性地震反应分析

本文针对预应力混凝土与普通混凝土不同的受力特点,提出了适合于分析预应力混凝土结构抗震性能的非线性有限元模型。模型首先将混凝土结构离散为杆单元,然后对各杆单元按分层组合原理分成许多混凝土层、预应力钢筋层和普通钢筋层,计算混凝土分层单元、预应力钢筋和普通钢筋的应力和应变,最后,根据钢筋与混凝土之间的粘结－滑移关系高速钢筋变形,根据混凝土弹性模量调整结构及杆单元变形,通过对普通混凝土构件和三个预应力混凝     

基础隔震结构的能量设计方法

本文以能量分析方法为基础,解释了基础隔震结构体系的能量设计原理和设计准则。根据作者建立的标准能量设计反应谱曲线,结合我国现行的抗震设计规范,建立了基础隔震结构体系的能量设计方法,通过能量平衡关系对隔层的变形反应进行预测．最后通过算例说明能量设计方法具有一定的可靠性,为该类体系的进一步推广奠定了基础。     

江苏地磁加卸载响应比的异常标志体系

应用曾小苹等人提出的地磁加卸载响应比法,研究了江苏地磁台网1983~1997年的加卸载响应比异常及其间台网内和网缘附近M_s4.6以上地震之间的关系,提出了适用于江苏地磁台网分析预报的标志体系,并对其内检预报效能进行了评价。     

加卸载响应比方法的空间扫描应用研究

用基于构造应力场资料的加卸载响应比方法,通过应力场参数、最少样本量等多种参数的分区全时空扫描对比,全面总结了大华北地区1970～1999年5级以上地震前的中期和短期时间演化特征: 在最少样本为15时,震前2年左右在震中附近出现Y₃≥2的高值异常区,于震前1年收缩、甚至消失,并常常在震前6个月左右时在震中处出现小范围的高值异常。预报效能R评分为0.3～0.5, P评分为0.4～0.6。研究结果还显示, 4级左右的中等地震前也存在Y₃的高值异常。     

刚性动力荷载作用下地基动力反应的若干问题

研究了地基表面在刚性动力荷载作用下的动力反应,给出了柱坐标解。在此基础上获得一个实用的地基动力刚度。定性地讨论了地基刚度和阻尼及其相互关系。并提出一个求取地基动力刚度和粘滞系数的实用化方法。