Seismic fragility and intensity measure investigation for rocking podium structures under synthetic pulse‐like excitations

Abstract

AbstractRocking podium structures (RPSs) refer to a wide class of structural systems in which the base storey consisting of freestanding columns that can uplift during seismic excitations. Due to the rocking response, the base storey can be considered as a base isolation system on the condition that a rocking overturn is prevented. In the present study, the seismic response of RPSs is assessed within a probabilistic framework. For this purpose, synthetic pulse‐like acceleration records are generated. The performance of several ground motion intensity measures in predicting the rocking response of RPSs with different superstructure's fundamental period, lateral displacement profiles and rocking column configuration are examined. The effect of these structural parameters on the rocking response is evaluated in terms of seismic fragility. Finally, the seismic behaviour of the rocking storey, as a seismic isolation technique, is evaluated by examining both the rocking stability and the seismic demand reduction of the superstructure simultaneously.