Abstract
This study presents the development of a BEM-FEM methodology to analyze flexible structures on an elastic halfspace allowed to simultaneously uplift and slide under seismic excitations. The methodology combines the Boundary Element Method (BEM) applied to model the semi-infinite soil medium and the Finite Element Method (FEM) to model the foundation and the super-structure. The two methods are combined with appropriate force equilibrium and displacement compatibility requirements through the utilization of FEM interface elements at the foundation-soil interface. All four modes of interface deformations, i.e., stick, debonding, rebonding and sliding, are accounted for to accurately simulate uplift and sliding of the foundation-structure system from the underlying soil medium. The sliding mode of deformation is associated with Coulomb friction at the soil-structure interface. The methodology is employed to investigate the response of a nuclear containment structure subjected to the El Centra earthquake of 1940. The results revealed that the base shear reduces significantly if the structure is allowed to slide. Further, parametric studies for various values of the friction coefficient are conducted in order to investigate the structure response under varying friction conditions.
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