Seismic response analysis of frame structure with uneven settlement of foundation

Abstract

The uneven settlement of foundation is one of the common engineering quality problems in collapsible loess areas. Especially in seismic regions, the structures with uneven foundation settlements are facing the enormous risks. In order to study the seismic response of structures with uneven settlement of foundation, the influence of settlement area and settlement amount on the seismic response of structure are analyzed by using nonlinear time-history analysis method. The results show that: the variation of settlement area and settlement amount has no significant effect on the inter-story drift ratio. The components severely damaged under earthquake are those distributed in or near the settlement area. The location of the settlement area has a significant impact on the seismic damage of the structure. With the increase of the settlement amount and earthquake intensity, the plastic hinge in the structure increases significantly. The settlement amount and earthquake intensity cause the variation of structural nonlinear property and energy dissipation mechanical.