Comparative Study of Seismic Acceleration Amplification Models for RC Frame Structures

As the current aspect, the nonstructural components (NSCs) linked with the structures are more affected during the seismic motion. It causes not only loss of the economy but also affected life. The various codal provision has been available for minimizing the damages of primary components, but for NSCs, a minimal requirement is functional. So that more investigation is required for understating the behavior of NSCs during the seismic motion. The research aims to understand the behavior of acceleration demand on NSCs in a building. Structures subjected to inertia forces due to earthquakes experience damage of nonstructural components (NSC). The inertia force acting the NSCs are related to acceleration amplification factor. For obtaining the peak horizontal floor acceleration with respect to tectonic ground motion, these factors are used. In this paper, mathematical models of the acceleration amplification factor defined as the peak floor acceleration with respect to peak ground acceleration, given by previous researchers, has been compared. For this 2,4,6,8 and 10 storey moment-resisting frame models considering 29 ground motion data ranging between 0.1g to 0.2g, is analyzed using linear time history method. The supports of the models are considered fixed. The ETABS software is used for the analysis of the models. To analyses the models, the modal mass participation ratio plays a significant role. ASCE 7-05 defines that the structure should be investigated and designed when the model mass participation ratio is equal to or more than 90 per cent. Based on the results, a comparison of the reported models is made. There is a strong need for further research to refine the models for the realistic prediction of acceleration amplification factor.

Issues related to velocity structure estimation in small coastal sedimentary plains - Case of Tottori plain facing the Sea of Japan

Issues of predominant period of ground motion and derived underground velocity structure model were investigated in the coastal plains affected by the soft sedimentary layer after the last ice age. Specifically, it is found that two predominant periods due to the shallow soft sediments and deep sedimentary layers over the seismic bedrock created by the tectonic movement after the quaternary period are close in a small plain such as the Tottori Plain, Japan as an example. It was shown by the analysis of underground velocity structure derived from H/V spectrum ratio of earthquake ground motions with the diffuse wave field theory. It is feared that the interaction of close predominant periods due to the different layer boundaries with high contrast may amplify the seismic motion in the period range that affects building structures in the small plains in coastal area.

Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Seismic Response of Shield Tunnel Spatial End Structure

The stiffness mutation of shield tunnel-shaft junction makes the tunnel structure affected by the differential displacement and forms a complex spatial effect. Taking the subsea shield tunnel crossing under the Shantou Gulf, China, as a case study, a three-dimensional finite element global model and a refined local spatial end submodel are established. The nonlinear dynamic behaviors of the seabed soil and concrete, the simulation of the bolt joints between ring segments by using cohesive models and the SMA shape memory alloy flexible joints, and the input ground motions produced by scaling from the high-level earthquake records are considered in detail. The results show that the shield tunnel spatial end structure increases nonlinearly in response to the increase of seismic motion intensity. The opening width and the deformation between ring segments at the vault and the outside spandrel are larger, and serious seismic damage and stress concentration exist at the conjugate 45° directions of shaft. The seismic responses of the tunnel-shaft junction subjected to the seismic motions with rich low-frequency components are much stronger than those of seismic motions with rich high-frequency components. Adding SMA flexible joints, the structural deformation caused by seismic motion propagation can be induced to the preset flexible joint, and the structural damage and stress concentration can be effectively reduced. The seismic response characteristics of shield tunnel spatial end structure calculated by the global model are consistent with those calculated by the submodel, while the seismic response of the submodel is greater than that of the global model.

Site Effect Potential in Fond Parisien, in the East of Port-au-Prince, Haiti

In the frame of a Belgo-Haitian cooperation project (PIC 2012–2016), a study of the local seismic hazard was performed in Fond Parisien, an area located on the foothills of the “Massif de la Selle”, along the easternmost portion of the Enriquillo Plantain Garden Fault (EPGF). The H/V Spectral Ratio (HVSR) technique was applied to study the resonance frequency of the target areas and the azimuth of the wave field. The amplification factors were estimated using Standard Spectral Ratios obtained from earthquakes recorded by a temporary seismic network. Using the Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves method, the seismic properties of the shallow layers were investigated. Then, the results were compared to local Electrical Resistivity Tomography data. These results highlight, in the central part of Fond Parisien, an E-W zone of low velocities ranging from 200 m/s to 450 m/s and low resistivities between 1 Ωm and 150 Ωm, due both to tectonic folding of the rocks and to the presence of sediment filling in the eastern part. The latter is marked, in most of its sites, by resonances at one or more frequencies ranging from 0.7 Hz to 20 Hz. Infiltration and storage of brackish water in the underground layers also contribute to the low resistivity values. With the noise HVSR data, we also evidenced a significant influence of the EPGF on the main orientation of the seismic wavefield as in the vicinity of this fault, the azimuths are parallel to the orientation of the fault. Overall, the results also show greater potential for site effects in the block formed by the sedimentary basin and strong amplification of the seismic ground motion for the sites bordering the basin to the north and west. We interpret the amplification in the north and south-west as probably originating from topographic irregularities locally coupled with sediment deposits, while in the center of the western part, the site effects could be explained by the presence of folds and related weakened and softened rocks. By the integration of several geophysical methods, we could distinguish areas where it is possible to build more safely. These zones are located in the northern part and encompass Quisqueya Park and neighboring areas as well as the village “La Source” in the southern part. In the rest of Fond Parisien, i.e., in the more central and eastern parts, buildings should be erected with caution, taking into account the nearby presence of the EPGF and the influence of fine sediments on the amplification of the seismic motion.

Impact of Local Site Conditions on Simulation of Non-stationary Spatial Variable Seismic Motions

It is commonly accepted that multi-scale structures are subject to spatially variable seismic motions. This spatial variability of seismic motions is described by different intensities at different locations due to the coherency loss effect, wave passage effect and local site conditions. For multi-scale structures, the estimation of seismic excitations must consider these factors. Often, the influence of the spatial variability of seismic motion on the dynamic response of structures is performed by neglecting the site effect. In several cases, it has been observed that the high intensities of seismic motion are caused by the site amplification besides coherency loss and wave passage effects. This study aims to analyze the impact of local site conditions on seismic motions. For this purpose, a method of simulation of spatially variable seismic motions is performed. The seismic signals on the bedrock are defined by considering a target power spectral density and a coherency loss model. According to the seismic wave propagation theory, the projection of these seismic motions on the surface is realized. The results of this study show that neglecting the local site conditions induces an undervaluation of spatially variable seismic excitations.