Seismic Response of a Tall Reinforced Concrete Frame Structure Subjected to both Horizontal and Vertical Strong Motions

Abstract

The continuous development of urban areas coupled with the ageing of built-stock and the variety of structures built following different design code recommendations may result in different behaviours during seismic events. Hence, reliable information is needed in order to assess the risk of severe damage or collapse during earthquakes. Accurate numerical simulations coupled with analytical models provide essential information on the seismic performance of civil engineering structures. The results obtained from realistic numerical simulations may serve as entries in data-bases designed to train and calibrate early warning systems (EWS). Their continuous development is of paramount importance taking into account their potential to save lives and prevent economic loses in case of a severe seismic event. The paper presents the preliminary results obtained from numerical simulations on the seismic response of a tall reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure subjected to both horizontal and vertical string motions produced by an earthquake. The obtained results, in terms of response spectra in terms of accelerations, may be used for training EWS sensors to identify a seismic event and transmit warning messages at local, regional and even national level.