Dynamic response analysis of solitary flexible rocking bodies: modeling and behavior under pulse‐like ground excitation

SUMMARY Results obtained for rigid structures suggest that rocking can be used as seismic response modification strategy. However, actual structures are not rigid: structural elements where rocking is expected to occur are often slender and flexible. Modeling of the rocking motion and impact of flexible bodies is a challenging task. A non-linear elastic viscously damped zero-length spring rocking model, directly usable in conventional finite element software, is presented in this paper. The flexible rocking body is modeled using a conventional beam-column element with distributed masses. This model is verified by comparing its pulse excitation response to the corresponding analytical solution and validated by overturning analysis of rocking blocks subjected to a recorded ground motion excitation. The rigid rocking block model provides a good approximation of the seismic response of solitary flexible columns designed to uplift when excited by pulse-like ground motions. Guidance for development of rocking column models in ordinary finite element software is provided. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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