Non-linear Dynamic Analysis of Structures Including Site Response Effects with Soil–Structure Interaction Problem

This study examines the non-linear dynamic response of reinforced concrete structures under soil site effects in earthquake-induced ground motions. The inelastic analysis procedure is applied to four scenarios involved in comprehensive parametric investigations to determine the seismic performance of the structures. The problem is investigated according to these conditions: a fixed-based condition under bedrock ground motion, a fixed-based condition under surface ground motion, a flexible-based condition under bedrock ground motion, and a flexible-based condition under surface ground motion. The soil–structure interaction (SSI) effect is considered by the substructure method based on impedance function solutions. Moreover, site response analyses for deep alluvial soil profiles are performed using a one-dimensional (1D) wave propagation problem with an equivalent linear approach. The SSI models of the structures are created by using Opensees software. The interactions are represented as displacement and rotation springs, and seismic performances of the structures are investigated in the non-linear time domain. Multi-degree of freedom system building models are converted into the equivalent single degree of freedom systems by the capacity spectrum method. Subsequently, maximum and residual displacements and base shear forces of the structures are investigated comparatively. It is deduced that the local site response effect and soil–foundation–structure interaction should be considered to perform a reliable earthquake-resistant design of buildings and accurately determine the seismic performance of existing structures.