Title: Response analysis of structural building excited by seismic waves using finite difference method

Authors: Shashi Kumar; Swapan Kumar Chakraborty

Addresses: Department of Mathematics, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi-835215, India ' Department of Mathematics, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi-835215, India

Abstract: The present article treats the finite difference modelling of multi-storey structures on flexible foundation due to seismic excitation. Previously, finite difference method has been used to analyse the wave propagation through medium comprising of layers of different physical properties. The same method is used for the problem considered here. The model here consists of a multilayer system comprising of structural building with a finite layer of sandy soil (as flexible foundation) and an inhomogeneous elastic half space embedded beneath the building structure. The displacement equations of inhomogeneous layer, flexible foundation and building are converted to finite difference algebraic equations. The phase and group velocities of the medium are being evaluated. Analysing these velocities it is observed that the wave energy do not make headway to the upper floors and even if it propagates, the shock imparted to the upper floors (beyond the flexible foundation) is very negligible.

Keywords: flexible sandy foundations; inhomogeneous half-space; structural buildings; finite difference method; FDM; response analysis; structural engineering; seismic waves; earthquakes; modelling; wave propagation; displacement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTRUCTE.2015.069688

International Journal of Structural Engineering, 2015 Vol.6 No.2, pp.123 - 139

Received: 02 Jul 2014
Accepted: 11 Oct 2014
Published online: 29 May 2015 *

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