Research on Seismic Resilience Assessment and Dynamic Response Analysis in Civil Engineering

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2025 | Viewed by 10765

Special Issue Editors

School of Civil Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
Interests: seismic performance; corrosion; fatigue and fracture; steel structure; durability of engineering structure
Central Research Institute of Building and Construction, Beijing 100088, China
Interests: durability of steel structures; prefabricated steel–concrete composite structures; seismic performance of steel structures
College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou, China
Interests: seismic performance; steel–concrete composite structures; reinforced concrete structures; stone structures; strengthening of structures

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Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Anhui University of Technology, Ma’anshan 243032, China
Interests: durability of steel structures; buckling behavior of steel structures; steel–concrete composite structures; seismic behavior of steel structures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
Interests: corrosion behavior of steel; multi-fractal analysis; refined finite element modeling and analysis; structural dynamics failure analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Seismic hazard is a potential risk to affect the safety and reliability of engineering structures in the life cycle, and seismic hazard studies have been continually developed after major seismic events. In recent years, technology development and innovation promote updates in the seismic damage assessment, seismic response analysis, repair, and strengthening method of seismic performance. In addition, with the application of new civil engineering materials and new structural systems, the earthquake codes and design methods have been rapidly improved to guide the engineering application and deal with engineering problems.

The special issue is dedicated to the recent scientific progress and technological advances in the novel studies on the seismic resilience assessment and dynamic response analysis of different types of structures.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to the following:

  • Structural dynamic response analysis of different types of structures
  • Seismic performance evaluation of existing damaged structures
  • Seismic design, appraisal, strengthening and transformation of structures
  • Research on seismic reduction and isolation of engineering structures
  • Seismic test technology and structural test research
  • Research and development of new system of recoverable functional structure
  • Engineering structural state detection and health diagnosis
  • Earthquake disaster simulation technologies of construction

Dr. Anbang Li
Dr. Hao Wang
Dr. Yong Ye
Dr. Zhengyi Kong
Dr. Songbo Ren
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • seismic
  • vibration isolation and damping
  • dynamic response analysis
  • strengthening technology
  • recoverable functional structure
  • earthquake simulation

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 4233 KiB  
Article
Seismic Responses and Overturning Resistance Capacity of Base-Isolated Structures Under the Influence of Pounding Interactions with Adjacent Structures
by Shengzhe Si, Jingcai Zhang and Chunwei Zhang
Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3485; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113485 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 446
Abstract
Seismic accelerations and interlayer displacements can be reduced by Laminated Rubber Bearings (LRBs) efficiently. Isolators would amplify the displacement of the superstructure by extending the natural period, thereby reducing acceleration and seismic damage. However, as a result, the risk of pounding with adjacent [...] Read more.
Seismic accelerations and interlayer displacements can be reduced by Laminated Rubber Bearings (LRBs) efficiently. Isolators would amplify the displacement of the superstructure by extending the natural period, thereby reducing acceleration and seismic damage. However, as a result, the risk of pounding with adjacent structures would be raised. This study investigated the seismic responses and overturning resistance capacity of base-isolated structures subjected to pounding against an adjacent structure. Parameter studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of gap size, pounding stiffness, and horizontal stiffness of the isolation layer. Results show that poundings are characterized by intense, short forces causing acceleration spikes, amplifying the overturning coefficient and risk. The overturning risk initially decreases then increases with gap size under pulse-like earthquakes, while wider gaps mitigate effects during non-pulse events. Increased pounding stiffness intensifies poundings, heightening vulnerability. The structure’s overturning resistance initially improves with increased horizontal stiffness of the isolation layer but declines excessively with further stiffness increase. Full article
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24 pages, 6445 KiB  
Article
Effect of Soil–Bridge Interactions on Seismic Response of a Cross-Fault Bridge: A Shaking Table Test Study
by Kunlin Guo, Xiaojun Li, Ning Wang, Zengping Wen and Yanbin Wang
Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1874; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061874 - 20 Jun 2024
Viewed by 857
Abstract
A shaking table test of a 1/60 scale cross-fault bridge model considering the effects of soil–bridge interactions was designed and implemented, in which the bridge model was placed in two individual soil boxes to simulate the bridge across a strike-slip fault. Three seismic [...] Read more.
A shaking table test of a 1/60 scale cross-fault bridge model considering the effects of soil–bridge interactions was designed and implemented, in which the bridge model was placed in two individual soil boxes to simulate the bridge across a strike-slip fault. Three seismic ground motion time-histories with permanent displacements were selected as input excitations to investigate the influence of seismic ground motions with different frequency characteristics on the seismic response of the testing soil–bridge model. The one-side input method was used to simulate the seismic response of bridges across faults. The seismic responses of the soil and bridge in terms of acceleration, strain, and displacement were analyzed. The test results show that the one-side input method can simulate the seismic response of the main girder displacements well and the displacements and strains of piers and piles of the bridge structure spanning a fault. The strain responses at near-fault pile foundations are much larger than those farther away from the fault. Compared with other bridges, the cross-fault bridge is more prone to torsional and displacement responses during earthquakes. Surface fault rupture can lead to permanent inclination of the bridge piers, which should be paid more attention to in the practical engineering design of the bridges. Soil–bridge interactions can suppress the amplification effect of soil on ground motions. The test results can provide a reference for future research and the design of cross-fault bridges. Full article
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22 pages, 3755 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Ground Motion Damage Potential with Consideration of Compound Intensity Measures Using Principal Component Analysis and Canonical Correlation Analysis
by Tingting Liu and Dagang Lu
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1309; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051309 - 6 May 2024
Viewed by 880
Abstract
The primary motivation of this study is to develop a compound intensity measure (IM) to evaluate ground motion damage potential based on principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical correlation analysis (CCA). To illustrate this, this study examines the correlation among intragroup IMs and [...] Read more.
The primary motivation of this study is to develop a compound intensity measure (IM) to evaluate ground motion damage potential based on principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical correlation analysis (CCA). To illustrate this, this study examines the correlation among intragroup IMs and intergroup IMs, as well as the correlation between various IMs and response variables. A compound IM, which can be obtained by a linear combination of ten IMs in the log-scale, is utilized to measure the ground motion damage potential. Elastoplastic, bilinear and hysteretic models are utilized to determine peak deformation and hysteretic energy as the response variables of Single-Degree-of-Freedom (SDOF) systems. On the basis of the SDOF systems, the overall structural damage index is obtained by a nonlinear time–history analysis for two reinforced concrete moment frame systems. It is clear that the developed compound IM shows significantly high-level correlation with structural response. The better the correlations, the more one can measure the earthquake damage potential. A single IM alone inadequately characterizes structural damage, highlighting the necessity of multiple IMs to estimate the possibility of structural damage. Full article
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19 pages, 5137 KiB  
Article
Design and Hysteretic Performance Analysis of a Novel Multi-Layer Self-Centering Damper with Shape Memory Alloy
by Hua Zhang, Lu Zhao, Anbang Li and Shanhua Xu
Buildings 2024, 14(2), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020483 - 8 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1020
Abstract
This paper presented the development process of a novel multi-layer self-centering damper utilizing a NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) with remarkable superelastic properties. The construction and operating principles of the novel damping device were introduced. A model for calculating the restoring force–displacement hysteretic [...] Read more.
This paper presented the development process of a novel multi-layer self-centering damper utilizing a NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) with remarkable superelastic properties. The construction and operating principles of the novel damping device were introduced. A model for calculating the restoring force–displacement hysteretic curve of the novel damper was established, and based on this theoretical model, a parameter analysis of the damper’s hysteresis performance was conducted. The effect of SMA pre-strain, SMA diameter, number of layers in the damper, and number of SMA wires per layer on the damper’s stiffness, the unit cycle energy dissipation, and the equivalent viscous damping ratio were investigated, respectively. The results showed that the restoring force–displacement hysteretic curve of the novel SMA damper exhibits a full spindle shape, demonstrating the damper’s excellent energy dissipation capacity, self-centering capability, significant stroke, and unique variable stiffness characteristics (i.e., appropriate initial stiffness, minimal isolation stiffness, and significant limit stiffness). The results also indicated that the SMA pre-strain has a minor impact on the damper’s stiffness but a significant influence on unit cyclic energy dissipation and equivalent damping ratio. As the SMA pre-strain increased from 0.03 to 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06, the maximum stroke of the damper continuously decreases, while the unit cyclic energy dissipation initially increases and then decreases, with the optimal energy dissipation achieved at a pre-strain of 0.04. Increasing the SMA diameter results in a higher damper stiffness and energy dissipation capacity, with no significant change in maximum stroke and equivalent damping ratio. Increasing the number of damper layers leads to an increase in maximum stroke and unit-cycle energy dissipation, accompanied by a decrease in stiffness and almost constant equivalent damping ratio. As the number of SMA wires per layer increased from 8 to 16 and 32, the maximum stroke and equivalent damping ratio presented little variation, but the damper’s stiffness and unit cyclic energy dissipation continuously increased. Full article
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23 pages, 9517 KiB  
Article
Effects of Prestressing Magnitude and Position on Seismic Performance of Unbonded Prestressed Concrete Beams
by Dong Chen, Bin Zeng, Qing Xu, Xiaoda Xu and Man Xu
Buildings 2024, 14(2), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020431 - 4 Feb 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1226
Abstract
To study the effects of the jacking stress level, height and strength ratio of the prestress tendons (λ) on the seismic performance of unbonded prestressed concrete (UPC) beams, six UPC beams and one reinforced concrete (RC) beam were tested under cyclic [...] Read more.
To study the effects of the jacking stress level, height and strength ratio of the prestress tendons (λ) on the seismic performance of unbonded prestressed concrete (UPC) beams, six UPC beams and one reinforced concrete (RC) beam were tested under cyclic loads. The hysteretic characteristics, skeleton curves, ductility properties, energy dissipation capacity, strain distribution of reinforcement and self-centering capability of the specimens were studied and discussed. Numerical parameter analysis was also carried out by using OpenSees. The results indicate that three failure modes of UPC beams under cyclic loading were observed, namely the tension-failure mode involving a broken rebar, the compression-failure mode involving concrete crushing and the balanced failure. By considering the influence of the prestress position and magnitude, the modified reinforcing index ω was proposed to determine the failure mode. The ω is suggested to be less than 0.3 to ensure sufficient ductility. The effective stress level is linearly and positively related to the stiffness from cracking to yield Kcr and the ultimate bearing capacity of the UPC beam under cyclic loading. The stiffness of the UPC beam is slightly larger than that of the RC beam before yielding, and significantly greater than that of the RC beam after yielding. Due to the large strength reserve after yielding, the integrated seismic performance of the UPC beam is similar to that of the RC beam. When the λ was unchanged, the increase in the relative height of the prestressed tendons αh is beneficial for the overall performance factor F, ductility and crack control. The stiffness degradation performance depends on the λ but is independent of the αh. The total energy dissipation of the non-tensioned UPC specimen was 59% higher than that of the RC beam. The cumulative total energy dissipation of the tensioned UPC specimen was only 13% lower than that of the RC beam with the same number of cycles, indicating that the UPC specimen had a considerable energy dissipation capacity. Full article
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14 pages, 3794 KiB  
Article
Application of Fractal Theory to the Analysis of Failure Characteristics of Low-Velocity-Impact Concrete Slabs
by Song Gu, Jiachen Zhao, Jinxing Li, Feng Peng, Chao Kong and Liqiong Yang
Buildings 2023, 13(9), 2190; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092190 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1081
Abstract
The fractal characteristics of low-velocity-impact concrete slabs were studied using fractal theory, and the fractal dimension value of cracks of each concrete specimen plate was calculated using box dimension as the basic principle and digital image analysis technology in conjunction with MATLAB software [...] Read more.
The fractal characteristics of low-velocity-impact concrete slabs were studied using fractal theory, and the fractal dimension value of cracks of each concrete specimen plate was calculated using box dimension as the basic principle and digital image analysis technology in conjunction with MATLAB software (R2021b) calculation functions. The energy dissipation of concrete slabs during low-velocity impact is calculated using the elastic sheet theory. The calculation results are realistic, and the energy conversion of concrete slabs during low-velocity impact is analyzed based on these results. The research findings indicate that concrete slab cracks exhibit good fractal characteristics during low-velocity impact, and their values can be utilized as a parameter to determine the extent of concrete slab failure. Moreover, the study found that the fractal dimension value of concrete slab cracks and the associated plastic deformation energy display good exponential function characteristics in the energy dissipation mechanism of low-velocity concrete slabs. Full article
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17 pages, 5383 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigations of the Seismic Response of a Large Underground Structure at a Soft Loess Site
by Xuan Chen, Zhongming Xiong, Chenhao Ren and Yue Liu
Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1710; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071710 - 4 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1154
Abstract
Based on an underground structure located at a soft loess site in Xi’an as the engineering background, this paper investigated a seismic response and damage model of subway stations at a soft loess site using a large-scale shaking table test, considering the different [...] Read more.
Based on an underground structure located at a soft loess site in Xi’an as the engineering background, this paper investigated a seismic response and damage model of subway stations at a soft loess site using a large-scale shaking table test, considering the different characteristics of ground motions. The quantitative analysis of the acceleration response and the seismic subsidence of the soft loess site were subjected to different earthquake excitations; based on the experimental results and the corresponding analysis, the development and distribution of seismic structural damage were studied, and the damage mechanism of underground structures in a soft loess area under a strong earthquake was explored. The results indicate that the peak accelerations of the site soil first remained unchanged then increased significantly along the soil height, and the amplification effect of the acceleration response was the most significant at the soil surface. The soft loess soil underwent significant subsidence, and the underground structure was raised compared to both sides of the cover soil; the collapsibility of the soft loess soil was sensitive to strong earthquakes with vertical components. The underground structures in soft loess suffered heavy damage, which rapidly entered the elastic–plastic stage. The composite effect of the collapsibility and vertical seismic excitation impaired the load-carrying capacity of the middle columns, and the strong horizontal seismic excitation enlarged the lateral force and accelerated structural damage development; the underground structure reached failure when plastic damage expended most of the middle columns and structural joints. These results are significant for the seismic design of underground structures in adverse soil conditions. Full article
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15 pages, 5792 KiB  
Article
A Stochastic Earthquake Ground Motion Database and Its Application in Seismic Analysis of an RC Frame-Shear Wall Structure
by Yanqiong Ding, Yazhou Xu and Shuhang Ding
Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1637; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071637 - 27 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1320
Abstract
A stochastic earthquake ground motion database comprising twelve groups of simulated ground motions was introduced. Ground motions were generated using the stochastic semi-physical model of earthquake ground motions, based on a cluster analysis of 7778 recorded earthquake ground motion. All twelve groups of [...] Read more.
A stochastic earthquake ground motion database comprising twelve groups of simulated ground motions was introduced. Ground motions were generated using the stochastic semi-physical model of earthquake ground motions, based on a cluster analysis of 7778 recorded earthquake ground motion. All twelve groups of simulated earthquake ground motions were validated through the probability density evolution method (PDEM) by comparing their time histories and response spectra. As an application of the proposed database, an 18-story reinforced concrete (RC) frame-shear wall structure was analyzed using one group of simulated earthquake ground motions. The probability densities of the top displacement of the structure were estimated using PDEM, highlighting the significant stochasticity of the structural response. The seismic reliability of the structure was assessed by evaluating the extreme value distribution of the story drift angle. The investigations indicate that the proposed stochastic earthquake ground motion database effectively captures the inherent stochasticity of ground motions. Moreover, it contributes to enhancing the efficiency of reliability assessments for structures. Full article
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26 pages, 18873 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Properties and Seismic Loss Assessment of Improved Isolation Bearing with Variable Stiffness
by Jie Huang, Peng Wang, Qingxuan Shi, Chong Rong and Bin Wang
Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1134; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051134 - 24 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1552
Abstract
For improving the seismic isolation effect, traditional rubber isolation bearing provides a smaller horizontal stiffness. However, it is unfavorable for the displacement control of the seismic isolation layer under rare earthquakes. In this paper, an improved lead-core rubber isolation bearing is proposed. The [...] Read more.
For improving the seismic isolation effect, traditional rubber isolation bearing provides a smaller horizontal stiffness. However, it is unfavorable for the displacement control of the seismic isolation layer under rare earthquakes. In this paper, an improved lead-core rubber isolation bearing is proposed. The improved isolation bearing can provide a small horizontal stiffness to enhance the seismic isolation effect under small earthquakes. Under large earthquakes, it can provide a large horizontal stiffness to prevent over-limit failure due to excessive displacement. The mechanical properties of the improved isolation bearing were investigated using the finite element method (FEM), and the restoring force model of the improved isolation bearing was established. Based on the FEMA P-58 theory, the earthquake loss assessment in terms of repair cost and casualty indexes was carried out for normal frame structures, normal isolation structures, and improved isolation structures. The results show that the improved isolation bearing maintains a smaller horizontal stiffness before the displacement is limited, giving full play to the isolation performance. After that, the horizontal stiffness of the bearing is enhanced, which can effectively control the displacement of the seismic isolation layer. The lead-core can give full play to the energy dissipation characteristics. Under the four performance levels, the improved isolation structure has the highest safety reserve and the best collapse resistance. The use of improved isolation bearings can reduce the repair cost of the structure and casualties. Full article
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