• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.339-353
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• 2023

The primary objective of the current study is to optimize and evaluate the seismic performance of steel momentresisting frame (MRF) structures considering soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects. The structural optimization is implemented in the context of performance-based design in accordance with FEMA-350 at different confidence levels from 50% to 90% by taking into account fixed- and flexible-base conditions using an efficient metaheuristic algorithm. Nonlinear response-history analysis (NRHA) is conducted to evaluate the seismic response of structures, and the beam-on-nonlinear Winkler foundation (BNWF) model is used to simulate the soil-foundation interaction under the MRFs. The seismic performance of optimally designed fixed- and flexible-base steel MRFs are compared in terms of overall damage index, seismic collapse safety, and interstory drift ratios at different performance levels. Two illustrative examples of 6- and 12-story steel MRFs are presented. The results show that the consideration of SSI in the optimization process of 6- and 12-story steel MRFs results in an increase of 1.0 to 9.0 % and 0.5 to 5.0 % in structural weight and a slight decrease in structural seismic safety at different confidence levels.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.11-23
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• 2022

The response of pile foundations under lateral loads are usually analyzed using beam-on-nonlinear-Winkler-foundation (BNWF) model framework employing various forms of empirically derived p-y curves and p-multipliers. In practice, the p-y curve presented by the American Petroleum Institute (API) is most often utilized for piles in granular soils, although its shortcomings are recognized. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of the BNWF model and to quantify the error in the estimated pile response compared to a rigorous numerical model. BNWF analyses are performed using three sets of p-y curves to evaluate reliability of the procedure. The BNWF model outputs are compared with results of 3D nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis, which are validated via field load test measurements. The BNWF model using API p-y curve produces higher load-displacement curve and peak bending moment compared with the results of the FE model, because empirical p-y curve overestimates the stiffness and underestimates ultimate resistance up to a depth equivalent to four times the pile diameter. The BNWF model overestimates the peak bending moment by approximately 20-30% using both the API and Reese curves. The p-multipliers are revealed to be sensitive on the p-y curve used as input. These results highlight a need to develop updated p-y curves and p-multipliers for improved prediction of the pile response under lateral loading.