Seismic Structure-Soil-Structure Interaction (SSSI) between piled neighboring bridges: Influence of height ratio

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of height ratios on the seismic Structure-Soil-Structure Interaction (SSSI) for three adjacent bridges with varying superstructure masses (Mst = 350, 1050, 350 t) through 3D numerical simulations. A comprehensive series of numerical analyses has been conducted across different height ratios (R = 1, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.5, 2, and 3) to assess their influence on superstructure acceleration and the internal forces within the foundation piles. The bridges under investigation are supported by groups of piles embedded in nonlinear clay. The numerical simulations were executed using fast Lagrangian analysis of continua in three dimensions (FLAC 3D), a three-dimensional finite differences modeling software. The findings revealed that variations in mass ratios significantly impact the SSSI effects on superstructure acceleration and pile internal forces. Notably, adverse effects were more pronounced for mass ratios of R = 1.1 and 1.2, leading to an increase in bending moment, shear force, and superstructure acceleration by up to 237.8%, 291.4%, and 70.33%, respectively. In contrast, a mass ratio of R = 3 resulted in a decrease in bending moment, shear force, and superstructure acceleration by up to 72%, 82.14%, and 81.13%, respectively. This implies that a careful arrangement of adjacent structures with different masses can be employed effectively to manage the (SSSI) effects.