Title: Response of frames seismically protected with passive systems in near-field areas

Authors: Dora Foti

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Polytechnic of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy

Abstract: The present paper analyses the behaviour of moment resisting frames in reinforced concrete subject to earthquakes recorded in near-field areas. In these areas, the signals show impulsive-type accelerograms, with velocity and displacement peaks higher than in far-field zones especially for the fault-normal component of the ground motion velocity in the direction of propagation of the wave, which shows large-amplitude pulses. In the following, seven near-field signals scaled in agreement with the design spectrum of the Italian code (NTC, 2008) have been adopted to perform a nonlinear analysis on a six-story frame. The response has also been determined for the same frame protected once with hysteretic-type energy dissipaters and once with base isolators. The aim of the present study is to acquire quantitative knowledge on the near-field ground motion effects on frame buildings and on their damage also in the presence of passive seismic protection systems.

Keywords: structural engineering; near-field areas; near-field seismic motions; moment resisting frames; passive protection; frame protection; probabilistic assessment; seismic protection; earthquakes; reinforced concrete; nonlinear analysis; six-story frames; hysteresis; energy dissipaters; base isolators; ground motion; frame buildings; building damage.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTRUCTE.2014.065916

International Journal of Structural Engineering, 2014 Vol.5 No.4, pp.326 - 345

Received: 26 Feb 2014
Accepted: 18 Apr 2014

Published online: 20 Dec 2014 *

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