Experimental Validation of a Multi-Physics Model for the Seismic Response of Freestanding Structural Systems


Abstract eng:
Systems of unattached, or freestanding, structures are highly vulnerable to damage and overturning when subject to seismic excitation. This class of structures includes systems such as unreinforced masonry walls, multi-drum columns, statue-pedestal systems, and various mechanical or electrical equipment. Damage to these structures can result in loss of irreplaceable heritage, limited functionality of critical structures, and even loss of life. As a result, accurate prediction of their response is essential. However, traditional analytical methods cannot readily incorporate multiple bodies, multiple modes, and threedimensional behavior – each of which has been shown to significantly affect the response in recent experiments. Therefore, in this paper, a numerical model is developed in the commercially available and widely-used multi-physics platform LSDYNA. The fully three-dimensional numerical model employs a penalty-based contact definition lumping non-linearity at system’s interfaces and allowing large displacements and rotations of the individual structures. The model is validated using the results of an extensive shake table testing campaign, which included various geometric configurations of symmetric and eccentric freestanding structures in single or stacked systems. The model is shown to sufficiently capture the salient features of the system response including three-dimensionality and the interaction of multiple modes such as sliding and rocking. Furthermore, numerical simulations indicate that the model can be used to predict the dynamic response of these structures with high fidelity.

Contributors:
Conference Title:
Conference Title:
16th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering
Conference Venue:
Santiago (CL)
Conference Dates:
2017-01-09 / 2017-01-13
Rights:
Text je chráněný podle autorského zákona č. 121/2000 Sb.



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 Record created 2017-01-18, last modified 2017-01-18


Original version of the author's contribution as presented on USB, paper 3370.:
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