Seismic response of neighboring irregular structures seated at different embedment depths considering soil-structure interaction

Abstract

Typically, most structural modeling and analysis are performed assuming that structures are individually simulated. However, due to limited space, land value and population density, most buildings constructed in urban areas are located adjacent to one another. In seismic analyses, where soil-structure interaction (SSI) is of great importance, the adjacency of structures and foundation embedment depth could significantly influence the seismic response of structures. Previous studies have investigated SSI in adjacent structures positioned at a specific depth. However, the effect of SSI on the adjacency of structures positioned at different embedment depths has received less attention. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the combined effect of different embedment depths and distances between the structures on the SSI response of irregular structures using Abaqus3D finite element analysis software. Displacement, stress and acceleration induced in the structures, as well as their interactions, are assessed by varying the distance between the structures from 2 to 10 m and altering embedment depths from 0 to 3 m, with the depth assumed to be a function of the structure’s width (B). The results indicate that altering the embedment depths of adjacent structures from 0 to 3 m reduces the effect of SSI from 31.2 % to 19.2 %, depending on the distance between the two structures, compared to the case where both structures are on the ground surface. The maximum SSI effect is achieved when the two structures are at the minimum distance from each other and both are located on the ground surface. The simultaneous effect of these two factors increases the influence of SSI by 84.4 %.