Response of Sliding Structures to Near-Fault Pulses: Numerical and Analytical Solutions

Abstract eng:
Analytical and numerical solutions are presented for the plastic response of sliding structures to idealized ground acceleration pulses. These motions are typical of near-fault earthquake motions generated by forward fault-rupture directivity and may inflict large strains and displacements in the absence of substantial soil strength. The structures are modeled as rigid blocks on inclined frictional planes. Although idealized, these models are widely used by engineers for simulating a variety of systems including isolation devices, monumental structures, retaining walls, slopes, embankments and dams. Four basic simple waveforms are examined: (1) triangular; (2) sinusoidal; (3) exponential; (4) rectangular. In the first part of the article, the effect of peak strength, residual strength, and number of excitation cycles, on peak displacements is presented. Results are presented in the form of dimensionless graphs and regression formulas that elucidate the salient features of the problem. In the second part of the article, closed-form solutions are derived for plastic response and associated peak velocities and displacements. It is shown that all three time histories of ground motion (i.e., acceleration, velocity, and displacement) control peak response – contrary to the widespread view that ground velocity alone is of leading importance. The results are compared with conventional Newmark-type approaches to illustrate certain practical aspects of the solution.

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