Computer modeling of dynamic behavior of rocking wall structures including the impact-related effects

Precast post-tensioned concrete rocking wall system is an innovative damage avoidance structural system for seismic regions. Past experimental works on the dynamic performance of rocking walls have identified the presence of high-frequency acceleration spikes in both lateral and vertical directions during the impact of wall base with the foundation. These acceleration spikes, acting together, can cause shear slip at the wall–foundation connection. This study is focused on the development of a computer model that can predict these acceleration spikes along with the identification of their effects on the dynamic performance of rocking walls. For this purpose, impact phenomenon at the wall–foundation joint has been discussed in detail and some general guidelines are set for the two important parameters of impact or contact modeling named as contact stiffness and contact damping. The finite element numerical models, based on the proposed guidelines, are found to predict the overall dynamic behavior of rocking walls along with the acceleration spikes quite efficiently. The acceleration spikes are found to be dependent on the lateral velocity at impact and the initial contact stiffness. So a velocity-dependent energy dissipation device along with a soft contact is found to be suitable for reducing these effects.

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