A numerical study of influential parameters on rocking response of shallow foundations of single degree of freedom (SDOF) structures

Abstract

In recent years, designing structures with rocking foundations has been introduced as an effective method to decrease seismic energy transmission to the superstructure and reduce the structure’s ductility demand. In this approach nonlinear behavior of the soil-foundation system dissipates the earthquake energy. Despite the promising results of this technique, it is not considered as a practical method yet. The main reason could be the uncertainties about the rocking foundation deformations during an actual earthquake. The present study uses the finite element method to evaluate the response of a single degree of freedom (SDOF) type structure under lateral monotonic and seismic loading. The influence of the static safety factors against soil bearing capacity failure, ground motion characteristics, and the foundation embedment depth on system behavior is investigated. Results demonstrate that due to these parameters, the response of a system with rocking foundation may change drastically during seismic events.