Influence of near-fault ground motion characteristics and the relative geographical positioning of sites on the seismic response of RC structures

Abstract

PurposeThe objective of the study is to examine the response of reinforced concrete (RC) structures subjected to Near-Fault Ground Motions (NFGM) and highlight the importance of considering various factors including the influence of the relative geographical position of near-fault sites that can affect the structural response during an earthquake.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the response of a four-storey RC building subjected to NFGMs with varied characteristics like hanging wall and footwall in conjunction with directivity and the effect of pulse-like ground motions with rupture direction are investigated to understand the combined influence of these factors on the behavior of the structure. Furthermore, the capacity and demand of the structural element are investigated for computing the performance ratio.FindingsResults from this study indicate that the most unfavorable combinations for structural damage due to near-fault ground motion are the hanging wall with forward rupture, the fault normal component of ground motions, and pulse-like ground motions with forward directivity.Originality/valueThe results from this study provide valuable insight into the response of RC structures subjected to NFGM and highlight the importance of considering various factors that can affect the structural response during an earthquake. Moreover, the computation of capacity and demand of the critical beam indicates exceedance of desired limits, resulting in the early deterioration of the structural elements. Finally, the analytical analysis from the present study confirms that the hanging wall with forward ruptures, pulse-like motions, and fling steps are the most unfavorable combinations for seismic structural damage.

Prediction of storey drift for reinforced concrete structures subjected to pulse-like ground motions using machine learning classification models

“…Additionally, the fling-step (Bolt, 2002), which is the sudden upward or downward movement of the ground resulting from the original rupture of the fault; poses a significant threat to the urban landscape in earthquake-prone regions (Somerville, 2002). Reconnaissance studies indicate that many structures, including buildings, dams and bridges, have suffered significant damage due to the distinct characteristics of NFGMs (Zhang et al, 2020;Wang et al, 2020;Liao et al, 2001;Wani et al, 2023a). The elastic and inelastic response of structures has been extensively examined in the past for single and multidegree freedom systems (MacRae et al, 2001;Akkar et al, 2005).…”

“…PL ground motions with forward directivity were found to have higher ductility demands than regular ground shakings (Sehhati et al ., 2011. A recent study on the response of RC structures due to relative geographical positioning of sites for NFGMs by (Wani et al ., 2023a) highlighted the detrimental effect of hanging wall with forward rupture, fault normal component of ground motion and PL ground motion with forward directivity on RC structures. In earthquake engineering, the structural response metric such as SDR is often utilized as a convenient parameter to evaluate the demand on the structure, as it can be easily measured and compared to code-specified limits.…”

“…, 2020; Liao et al. , 2001; Wani et al ., 2023a). The elastic and inelastic response of structures has been extensively examined in the past for single and multidegree freedom systems (MacRae et al ., 2001; Akkar et al.…”