Seismic Performance of Semi-Rigid Steel Frames Considering Soil-Structure Interaction

Abstract

The process of soil response affecting structural deformations and vice-versa is termed as soil-structure interaction (SSI). Over last few decades, traditional belief of SSI being ever-beneficial to seismic response of structures has been challenged. There have been evidences of SSI induced damages in 1985 Mexico City, 1989 Loma Prieta, 1995 Kobe, and 2001 Bhuj earthquakes. Seismic structural response is a function of structural and foundation characteristics, underlying soil medium properties, and ground motion characteristics. This paper attempts to assess effects of SSI on performance of steel frames with semi-rigid connections during a seismic event. The rationale behind choosing this structural configuration is its gaining popularity and large potential drifts. Though semi-rigid frames offer advantages like adequate stiffness, strength, and economy as compared to rigid frames, large top displacements and inter-storey drifts can be of concern. Performance is assessed in terms of parameters such as natural period and inter-storey drifts. Substructure approach with dynamic impedance using simple physical models has been employed to consider SSI. © 2024, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.