Nonlinear time-history analysis of the Evolution Tower resting on cellular raft due to earthquake loads

Abstract

This study includes an investigation of using a cellular raft over piles on the seismic response of both a twisting and regular tower using the direct method, demonstrating the variance between a solid raft and a cellular raft. Both towers are 52 stories high and made of reinforced concrete. They were also built on a reinforced concrete piled-raft foundation. The soil model is thought to be multi-layered and has the same profile as the zone under investigation (New Mansoura, Egypt). All structural properties (dimensions, section properties, materials) are equal to allow a fair comparison of output response for both towers. The sole difference between the two towers is their elevation. The study is carried out under seismic loads using nonlinear time-history analysis. All analyses are carried out employing finite-element software (Midas GTS NX). Thus, seven distinct earthquake records with full 3D models were used for time-history research. According to the findings and discussions, it is concluded that adopting a cellular raft can reduce the dynamic response of the towers. Considering the soil–structure interaction, the maximum inter-story drift ratio decreases by 8.17% for the twisting tower and 5.58% for the regular tower while using the cellular raft. Furthermore, the regular tower is more effective than the twisting tower at resisting lateral loads.