Seismic Behavior of Frame-Wall-Rocking Foundation Systems. II: Dynamic Test Phase

Abstract

This paper presents the earthquake response of three low-rise frame-wall-foundation centrifuge building models, including a structural hinging-dominated, foundation rocking-dominated, and balanced design model. The models were designed such that the capacities of the dominant inelastic elements varied; however, each was subjected to a similar sequence of earthquake shaking in a 30-g centrifuge environment to facilitate comparison. Experimental results reveal that the traditional frame-wall building with a strong foundation (i.e., a hinging-dominated system) has the least potential to recover from displacements induced during earthquake shaking. As a result, this system suffered the most significant residual deformation. In contrast, systems with rocking foundations sustained a smaller peak roof acceleration, residual drift, and peak base shear despite the relatively larger peak transient drift demand. Consistent with slow cyclic test results, dissipated hysteretic energy was reasonably distributed amongst superstructure and substructure inelastic components in the balanced model during moderate and high intensity shaking.