Diffraction of Harmonic S-waves into Frame Buildings

Abstract

Diffraction of seismic S-waves into multistory frame buildings is analyzed by FEA (Finite Element Analysis). The FE model consists of a ten-story superstructure rested on the slab foundation. Engineering software Abaqus/CAE 6.14 was used to analyze the interaction of seismic shear waves with the building. The explicit dynamic analysis was performed for the following seismic frequencies 0.5; 1 and 2 Hz over a time period of 5 s. Three types of columns were selected (corner- interior - edge) and the stress values were considered in monitoring points distributed over the entire height of the building at the places where these columns connect with the slabs. The analysis reveals that the arrival of the S-waves at small frequencies results in dangerous stresses in the bottom columns, especially in the corner columns, with the decreasing values of these stresses in a direction towards the last floor. Moreover, the analysis also reveals that at higher frequencies the stress magnitudes slightly decrease.