Project summary

Three-dimentional numerical investigation of earthquake-induced poundings of buildings

Very often, especially in densely-resided areas and city centers, neighboring buildings are constructed very close to each other. Thus, structural poundings may occur, during strong earthquakes, between adjacent buildings due to deformations of their stories. Consequences of such pounding incidences, ranging from local light damage to severe structural damage or even collapse, have been observed and reported in past strong earthquakes. In case of structural poundings, both floor accelerations and interstory deflections are significantly amplified, threatening the functionality of the structure, as well as sensitive equipment that may be housed in the building.

The main objective of this project proposal is to thoroughly investigate the circumstances under which poundings may occur and the effect of certain parameters on the structural response considering pounding incidences. Furthermore, potential practical measures for mitigating the detrimental effects of poundings will be proposed, while their effectiveness will be assessed. This investigation will be accomplished through three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulations and parametric analyses of buildings, which will be modeled as multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems with automatic impact capabilities.

In order to efficiently and effectively perform the necessary numerical analyses and parametric studies, a flexible and extensible software application will be specially designed and developed, utilizing modern Object-Oriented Design and Programming, Design Patterns and novel computing advances.