Slope topographic effects on the nonlinear seismic behavior of groups of similar buildings

Abstract

AbstractThe occurrence of vibrational energy exchange between neighboring buildings via soil is a well‐known issue today as structure‐soil‐structure interaction (SSSI) problems. Furthermore, the seismic performance of buildings near the slopes considering seismic topography‐soil‐structure interaction (TSSI) is entirely different from their performance on the flat grounds considering seismic soil‐structure interaction (SSI). Therefore, this study evaluates the seismic response of three moments resistant frame steel buildings with 15, 10, and 5 stories using three dimensional numerical analysis as a new topography‐structure‐soil‐structure interaction (TSSSI) problem. This issue has not been investigated in previous studies to the best of the authors' knowledge. In each case of TSSSI, two, three, and four buildings with similar dynamic properties were simulated simultaneously. The effects of foundation's rocking, numbers of buildings, and the 2D and 3D arrangements of buildings were investigated, and the results of TSSSI cases were compared with the corresponding SSSI cases. The inelastic behavior for both building components and soil was considered in the simulations. Analyzes are performed based on seven earthquake records from which the average value was taken as final results. Results show that it is essential to consider the TSSSI effect, and it can completely change the seismic performance of buildings near the slopes. Although the effects of TSSI and SSSI on the seismic responses of the low‐rise similar structures are negligible relative to the SSI cases, the results show that the nonlinear TSSSI effects of adjacent buildings should be fully considered even for 5‐story low‐rise structures.