Applications of Modelling and Simulation (May 2024)
Improving the Structure and Foundation Response Under Seismic Loads Considering Wall Packing Effects – Numerical Study
Abstract
During earthquakes structures in active seismic areas are affected by different random ground motions that cause different forces in the structure such as displacement, acceleration, and stresses. These structures consist of a skeleton of reinforced concrete and masonry walls. The behavior of these composite structures is very complex and complicated to model. Furthermore, there is an observation lack in the regulation’s guidelines and seismic codes for the infill design process and behavior through the earthquakes. In practice, infill walls are considered a non-structure component, and so it is neglected in the design process. However, eliminating the infill leads to negative consequences. This paper investigates and evaluates the infill walls effect on the structure behavior during earthquakes. Four structural models consisting of basement with seven, nine, and eleven stories, without and with walls in different locations were idealised. The 3D analysis program PLAXIS was adopted in this study. A series of investigated models under the effect of lateral loads were conducted to discuss the infill walls effects on the model’s response. Results confirmed that infill walls take a place in increasing the structure's resistance to horizontal actions and improve the structure's lateral response. The infill walls reduced both the soil acceleration and strain by 56% and 16.7% respectively from their initial values. Also, walls’ presence reduced both the foundation displacement and acceleration by 49% and 28% respectively compared to bare structures. Finally, the wall existence has a vital role in the modification of the superstructure lateral performance against displacement and story drift. It may be considered as an alternative technique to construct foundation resistance structures.
