Influence of geometrical uncertainties of analytical modelling on the evaluation of building deflections induced by ground movements

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of various geometrical uncertainties of analytical modelling affecting the evaluation of building deflections induced by tunnelling or mining subsidence. Based on Winkler model coupled with an elastic Euler-Bernoulli beam, an analytical approach is applied to evaluate the influence of major sources of uncertainties related to the Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI) geometric conditions and properties, namely, the free-field ground movement profile, the building position with respect to the settlement curvature and the variability of the structure stiffness caused by the heterogeneity of structural materials and openings (doors, windows, etc.). A comparison of results from various configurations is done to evaluate the degree to which the developed analytical approach reproduces reality. Results reveal a discrepancy in the structure response by considering these uncertainties in the entire domain of variation of the SSI parameters. For an operational use, a coefficient A is proposed; this coefficient can be used by engineers and designers when evaluating the building damage induced by the transmission of ground movements to structures taking into consideration these uncertainties.