Dynamic Response of Three-Dimensional Midrise Buildings Adjacent to Slope under Seismic Excitation in the Direction Perpendicular to the Slope

Abstract

Buildings have different seismic responses in the topographic-soil–structural interaction (TSSI) conditions from those in the soil–structural interaction (SSI). This study utilizes 3D numerical analyses to investigate the seismic responses of three midrise buildings with 5, 10, and 15 stories in the vicinity of the slope crest. Nonlinear behavior for the soil and building components was considered. Seven earthquake records perpendicular to the slope were applied to the models, and the results were provided based on the average records. Results indicated that slope topography doubled the acceleration amplification at distances of two to three times the slope height (H) from the slope crest. Also, the midrise buildings exhibited different seismic responses in the two directions; this difference was smaller for the 5-story building than those of the 10- and 15-story ones. Slope topography enhanced the seismic responses of the 10- and 15-story buildings along the slope as compared with those in the direction perpendicular to the slope. According to the TSSI results, the seismic responses of the 10- and 15-story buildings, including lateral displacements and base shear forces, suggested a threefold rise as compared with the SSI results. In addition, the TSSI analyses of these buildings increased the peak horizontal acceleration of the stories along the slope by 1.2 times as compared with that in the direction perpendicular to the slope.