Seismic performance evaluation of soil-foundation-reinforced concrete frame systems by endurance time method

Abstract Endurance time (ET) method is a new approach for assessing the seismic performance of structures. This paper investigated the effectiveness and accuracy of employing ET method to predict the seismic response of soil-structure-interaction (SSI) system. The Chinese code-conforming endurance time acceleration functions (ETAFs) were firstly generated. Two 5- and 10-story reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures were employed as prototype structures. The finite element model of soil-foundation-structure was established based on nonlinear Beam-on-Nonlinear-Winkler-Foundation (BNWF) theory. Nonlinear dynamic analyses of the structural systems subjected to 3 ETAFs and 22 ground motions were carried out. The seismic response of superstructure and foundations, and different SSI models were compared. The results indicate the ET method can predict the seismic response of SSI structural systems, with a high efficiency and accepted accuracy.