Abstract
Abstract The aim of this paper is to carry out a nonlinear static analysis using a case study of a pile-supported wharf in a new oil tankers port. The seismic activity in this area is very intense with the peak ground acceleration of 0.55 g; for this reason, it is very important to analyse the structural behaviour of the nonlinear situation. The analysis of the wharf, modelled in 3D by finite element method, serves to calculate the structure vibration periods (the structure’s first period is 1.68 s) and the capacity curve. The design of the structure follows traditional criteria by international guidelines, and its procedure is in accordance to classic theoretical methods and codes. For the selection of adequate characteristic earthquake input for the pushover analysis European and Venezuelan codes have been used. Besides being important to study the seismic influence on the body of the wharf and on critical elements, as well as and the interaction fluid-structure-soil, it is also important to analyse the consequences of structure failure and to estimate the maximum allowed displacement. The results show that the ultimate displacement is 18,81 cm. A port is an extremely strategic work, which needs to be carefully designed to avoid environmental damage and maintain human safety.
Highlights
The uncertain nature of the hazards which can be manmade or natural along with the complex dynamics of infrastructure systems impose significant challenges in decision making regarding allocation of investments
The pushover analysis is used for different methodologies and different types of structures, as for the inelastic dynamic analysis for shear buildings [12,28], the spatial reinforced concrete studying the effect of the infills on failure pattern of the reinforced concrete frames [19], the reinforced concrete by using a fibre model [20], the estimation of the yielding and the ultimate displacement to define the level of damage for dams [17], the energy-based adaptive pushover analysis for buildings through a series of nonlinear analysis under strong ground motions [22], the bridges with elevated pile foundation system by dynamic pushover analysis [24], and the pile-supported wharves [23]
To consider the non-linear inelastic behaviour of the structure, the viscous damping ratio are applied to the elastic response spectrum, which becomes to an inelastic response spectrum [1]
Summary
The uncertain nature of the hazards which can be manmade or natural along with the complex dynamics of infrastructure systems impose significant challenges in decision making regarding allocation of investments These are related to two aspects: identifying potential risks to life safety, which is typically the focus of the seismic design of the geo-structures (e.g. the bridges, tunnels, wharf structures and various air-transportation structures), and estimating costs. This paper describes the nonlinear (inelastic behaviour) static analysis through modelling the pile-supported wharf of a new oil tankers port. It will be introduced geotechnical aspects and the seismic context to define the area of study. This paper originates from technical work and it intends to encourage a closer connection between researchers and practical structural engineering professionals to resolve potential controversial issues
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