Assessment of dynamic soil-structure interaction effects for tall buildings: A 3D numerical approach

Abstract

Soil-structure interaction (SSI) phenomena are typically studied in the frequency-domain using the substructure approach, involving several simplifications. In this study, SSI effects for a 20-storey building are studied numerically performing time-domain 3D non-linear dynamic analyses, using an elastoplastic nonlinear constitutive model for the soil. Three foundation systems-a relatively shallow, a deeply embedded and a pile foundation-and two soil profiles are investigated and compared. Specifically, relative merits of site amplification, kinematic interaction and inertial interaction are isolated, and the role of foundation deformability and local stratigraphy is highlighted. To isolate such features, the results of the complete 3D models are compared with those provided by 3D numerical analyses of the sole building, of the foundation-soil systems and of the free-field soil deposit. Numerical results show that, for tall buildings, an increase in foundation deformability leads to a decrease of the maximum base shear force (seismic demand), to a higher rigid rotation of the foundation, but not to appreciably higher displacements of the structure. Moreover, possible situations where a (decoupled) substructure approach can lead to a misinterpretation of SSI phenomena are highlighted, as in the case of deep foundations crossing very soft soil layers. In addition, the use of embedded pile elements was proven to be an effective strategy in reducing the computational cost when performing complex 3D simulations of dynamic SSI problems.

Effects of dynamic soil-structure interaction on seismic behaviour of high-rise buildings

“…Moreover, SSI was founded to have remarkable influences on the distribution way of the shear forces along the superstructures. Scarfone et al (2020) investigated the impacts of SSI on a 20-storey frame-shear wall building using 3D nonlinear dynamic time history analyses. Particularly, three foundation types (shallow foundation, compensated foundation and pile foundation) were evaluated.…”

Practice-Oriented Validation of Embedded Beam Formulations in Geotechnical Engineering

“…El-Sherbiny et al [32] applied EBs to study the ability of jet-grout columns to stabilize berms in soft soil formations. EBs found also use in the modelling of piles subjected to different modes of loading, namely lateral [33], passive [34,35], and dynamic loading [36]. More recently, use cases suggest the incorporation of EBs to capture the response of tension members, including tunnel front fiberglass reinforcements [37], rock bolts [38], ground anchors [39], and soil nails [40].…”

Seismic damage assessment of a historical masonry minaret considering soil-structure interaction

“…Fathi et al [28] investigated the effect of SSI on the out of plane behavior of walls and found that the displacements and acceleration demands significantly changed. Scarfone et al [29] determined that the soft soil layer behaves like a natural damper.…”