Earthquake engineering and structural dynamics, v. 34, p. 1-98, 2005 - Wiley.pdf

EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS
Earthquake Engng Struct. Dyn. 2005; 34:1–20
Published online 25 October 2004 in Wiley InterScience (.com). DOI:
Earthquake-induced interaction between adjacent reinforced
concrete structures with non-equal heights
Chris G. Karayannis∗;† and Maria J. Favvata
Reinforced Concrete Lab.; Department of Civil Engineering; Democritus University of Thrace;
Xanthi; 67100 Greece
SUMMARY
The in
uence of the structural pounding on the ductility requirements and the seismic behaviour of
reinforced concrete structures designed to EC2 and EC8 with non-equal heights is investigated. Special
purpose elements of distributed plasticity are employed for the study of the columns. Two distinct types
of the problem are identiÿed: Type A, where collisions may occur only between storey masses; and
Type B, where the slabs of the ÿrst structure hit the columns of the other (72 Type A and 36 Type B
pounding cases are examined). Type A cases yielded critical ductility requirements for the columns in
the pounding area mainly for the cases where the structures were in contact from the beginning of the
excitation. In both pounding types the ductility requirements of the columns of the taller building are
substantially increased for the
oors above the highest contact storey level probably due to a whiplash
behaviour. The most important issue in the pounding type B is the local response of the column of
the tall structure that suers the hit of the upper
oor slab of the adjacent shorter structure. In all the
examined cases this column was in a critical condition due to shear action and in the cases where the
structures were in contact from the beginning of the excitation, this column was also critical due to high
ductility demands. It can be summarized that in situations of potential pounding, neglecting its possible
eects leads to non-conservative building design or evaluation that may e critical in some c