Seismic behavior of structures considering uplift and soil–structure interaction

Abstract

A common assumption when analyzing a structure for earthquake forces is that the building is positively attached to a rigid ground so that it can sustain possible tensile forces without being detached, or uplifted, from its bearing points. Considering the facts that almost no tension can be transferred between a surface foundation and soil and soft soils interact with the supported structure during earthquakes, in this research, the effects of uplift and soil–structure interaction on nonlinear seismic response of structures are evaluated. Several reinforced concrete and steel structures under different suits of consistent ground motions are considered. The base of the buildings is modeled with vertical no-tension springs being nonlinear in compression. The total soil–structure interaction system is modeled within OpenSees, and the seismic behavior is evaluated using a nonlinear dynamic analysis. The nonlinear responses of buildings are determined and compared between three cases: fixed base, flexible base without uplift, and flexible base with uplift. The cases for which uplift in conjunction with soil–structure interaction should be considered are identified.