The Assessment of Non-bearing Structure Seismic Stability Using Local Dynamic Amplification Factor

Abstract

The article presents the analysis of methods used to assess the seismic stability of non-loadbearing structures. The co-authors have shown that objective principles, underlying the behaviour of elements, that are not part of the load bearing system, are disregarded by the established methods of analysis. Objective principles, underlying the behaviour of non-loadbearing structures under dynamic loading, equivalent to the seismic one, were studied within the framework of physical experiments. A test set-up was made to investigate the dynamic behavior of structural elements under seismic loading, consisting of a set of hydraulic actuators and a frame, supporting the structural element under investigation. Local amplification factor is calculated from dynamic tests as a ratio between the input and output acceleration of the structural component. Based on derived local amplification factor for different structures, the co-authors have developed a method for the calculation of specific values of amplification factors for different types of non-loadbearing structures. They represent local dynamic amplification factors of such structural elements. The co-authors offer and substantiate a method for the assessment of seismic stability of non-loadbearing structures with account taken of real local amplification factors and values of translational accelerations of a loadbearing system in the zones where non-loadbearing structures are installed.