Lumped parameter model for the time-domain soil-structure interaction analysis of structures on pile foundations

A lumped parameter model for the time domain inertial soil-structure interaction analysis is proposed with reference to square pile group foundations. Simplified formulas are presented for estimating its parameters. The model is able to reproduce the coupled rotational-translational behaviour of the soil-foundation system. Formulas are calibrated from results of an extensive non-dimensional parametric analysis considering head-bearing pile groups. The closed-form expressions may be readily adopted to define the compliant base restraints of a generic structure for the non linear dynamic analysis carried out with commercial software

Finite elements for higher order steel–concrete composite beams

none4noThis paper presents finite elements for a higher order steel–concrete composite beam model developed for the analysis of bridge decks. The model accounts for the slab–girder partial interaction, the overall shear deformability, and the shear‐lag phenomenon in steel and concrete components. The theoretical derivation of the solving balance conditions, in both weak and strong form, is firstly addressed. Then, three different finite elements are proposed, which are characterised by (i) linear interpolating functions, (ii) Hermitian polynomial interpolating functions, and (iii) interpolating functions, respectively, derived from the analytical solution expressed by means of exponential matrices. The performance of the finite elements is analysed in terms of the solution con-vergence rate for realistic steel–concrete composite beams with different restraints and loading con-ditions. Finally, the efficiency of the beam model is shown by comparing the results obtained with the proposed finite elements and those achieved with a refined 3D shell finite element model.openGara F.; Carbonari S.; Leoni G.; Dezi L.Gara, F.; Carbonari, S.; Leoni, G.; Dezi, L

micropile foundation subjected to dynamic lateral loading

Abstract Thanks to their ease of installation, even in access-restricted spaces, micropiles are increasingly adopted for the seismic rehabilitation of existing structures. Moreover, both vertical and inclined micropiles are often used as foundation system for new constructions, ground improvements and many other applications. In order to deepen the knowledge of the dynamic behavior of those systems under horizontal loading, an extensive experimental study was carried out in an alluvial silty soil deposit on two single vertical micropiles and on a group of four inclined micropiles connected at the head by a concrete cap. Several testing procedures are exploited, in order to investigate the dynamic behavior of micropiles under different loading conditions and increasing force level, with special attention on the role of execution techniques and foundation configuration

Soil-structure interaction effects on the seismic response of multi-span viaducts

The paper focuses on the effects of soil-structure interaction in the seismic response of multi-span viaducts on pile foundations. Analyses are performed by means of the substructure approach: the soil-foundation systems are studied in the frequency domain to obtain the foundation input motion and the dynamic impedance functions; inertial interaction analyses are carried out in the time domain accounting for the material nonlinear behaviour. Suitable lumped parameter models are introduced to simulate the frequency dependent behaviour of the soilfoundation system. A specific procedure for selecting and scaling real ground motions is proposed and used for the definition of the spatial seismic input. The seismic response of bridges on compliant base is compared with that obtained from fixed base analyses discussing the significance of soil-structure interaction effects

Seismic Response of Bridges Accounting for Soil-Structure Interaction effects and the Non-Synchronous Ground Motion due to 1D and 2D site analysis.

This work focuses on the effects of soil-structure interaction and the spatial variability of seismic motion due to site effects on the seismic response of a multi-span viaduct on pile foundations. In particular, site effects induced in a soft clay deposit by an inclined bedrock layout are evaluated through different models, characterised by an increasing level of accuracy, which allows determining the free-field motion that is adopted to perform soilstructure interaction analyses in the frame of the substructure approach. The seismic input is represented at the outcropping bedrock by a set of suitably selected and scaled real accelerograms. After a brief presentation of the adopted numerical procedure, analyses results are presented focusing on both site and structural response. Amplifications effects obtained from simplified linear equivalent 1D and nonlinear 2D site response models are compared, discussing the applicability of the simplified approach. Structural responses, obtained by considering the non-synchronous motion resulting from the local stratigraphic conditions, in conjunction with soil-structure interaction effects, are shown in terms of piers displacement and ductility demands. Furthermore, the role of soil structure interaction is clarified comparing results with those obtained from fixed base bridge models, proving that its contribution is more significant if the simplified model for site response is adopted

Generation of non-synchronous accelerograms for evaluate the seismic bridge response, including local site amplification.

Non-synchronous seismic actions particularly affect the behaviour of infrastructures with significant longitudinal extension, as bridges, interacting with the soil at surface or below ground level. Some authors state that non synchronism may increase by a large amount the structural response. Several acceleration records relative to different points of the ground with different soil profiles at distances meaningful for bridge analyses, are not available in data banks. The objective of this work is the generation of arrays of asynchronous signals at different points in space, starting from natural accelerograms related to a given seismic event, to increase the number of the available data. The computer code GAS has been modified to use natural accelerograms. The procedure has been applied to a real case, L’Aquila main-shock, for which records in different points of the free field are known