An efficient numerical approach for the parametric investigation of the effects of pounding on the 3D dynamic response of buildings during earthquakes

Abstract

This paper presents a new methodology that is used to numerically simulate buildings in three-dimensions, which are subjected to pounding during strong earthquakes. The structures are modeled as 3D MDOF dynamic systems, while an innovative, simple and efficient approach is used to model impacts, taking into account the geometry at the vicinity of impact and without the use of any contact elements that require the "a priori" determination of the impact location. A simple example of two adjacent buildings that are subjected to pounding is also presented, along with some parametric investigation of the effects of certain factors on the 3D dynamic response of the buildings during pounding incidences.