Effect of Component-Dropped-Collision on Structural Seismic Response

Abstract

Investigations of earthquake damage showed that the upper components dropped and collided with under structure had significant influence on structural damage level. But there no research clearly points out how the collision affects structural seismic response. Aim at this problem, structural seismic response considering collision effect was calculated by combining finite element method with Hertz-damp model, which can account for the nonlinearity of contact stiffness as well as the energy dissipated during collision. The results indicate that structural seismic response will be intensified when the collision appears around the peak of ground motion, amplification of acceleration is larger than displacement’s. Amplification of beams section internal force is larger than columns’, but difference of absolute value shows a contrary trend. And the similar effect on structural seismic response under different earthquake action is discovered. The amplification effect of collision on structural seismic response was proved by the results. However, the result has limits, since the effect law may be different by changing occurring time of colliding or PGA at el..