• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.86 no.2
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• pp.249-260
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• 2023

The uncertainties involved in structural performances are of importance when the optimum number and property of seismic retrofit devices are determined. This paper proposes a seismic retrofit design framework for asymmetric soft-first-story buildings, considering uncertainties in the soil condition and seismic retrofit device. The effect of the uncertain parameters on the structural performance is used to find a robust and optimal seismic retrofit solution. The framework finds a robust and optimal seismic retrofit solution by finding the optimal locations and mechanical properties of the seismic retrofit device for different realizations of the uncertain parameters. The structural performance for each realization is computed to evaluate the effect of the uncertainty parameters on the seismic performance. The framework utilizes parallel processing to decrease the computationally intensive nonlinear dynamic analysis time. The framework returns a robust design solution that satisfies the given limit state for every realization of the uncertain parameters. The proposed framework is applied to the seismic retrofit design of a five-story asymmetric soft-first-story case study structure retrofitted with a viscoelastic damper. Robust optimal parameters for retrofitting a structure to satisfy the limit state for the different realizations of the uncertain parameter are found using the proposed framework. According to the performance evaluation results of the retrofitted structure, the developed framework is proved effective in the seismic retrofit of the asymmetric structure with inherent uncertainties.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.709-724
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• 2016

This study investigates the optimum design parameters of a superelastic friction base isolator (S-FBI) system through a multi-objective genetic algorithm to improve the performance of isolated buildings against near-fault earthquakes. The S-FBI system consists of a flat steel-PTFE sliding bearing and superelastic NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) cables. Sliding bearing limits the transfer of shear across the isolation interface and provides damping from sliding friction. SMA cables provide restoring force capability to the isolation system together with additional damping characteristics. A three-story building is modeled with S-FBI isolation system. Multiple-objective numerical optimization that simultaneously minimizes isolation-level displacements and superstructure response is carried out with a genetic algorithm in order to optimize S-FBI system. Nonlinear time history analyses of the building with optimal S-FBI system are performed. A set of 20 near-fault ground motion records are used in numerical simulations. Results show that S-FBI system successfully control response of the buildings against near-fault earthquakes without sacrificing in isolation efficacy and producing large isolation-level deformations.

• International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2016

The progressive collapse analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) moment-frame buildings under extreme loads is discussed from the perspective of modeling issues. A threat-independent approach or the alternate path method forms the basis of the simulations wherein the extreme event is modeled via column removal scenarios. Using a prototype RC frame building, issues and considerations in constitutive modeling of materials, options in modeling the structural elements and specification of gravity loads are discussed with the goal of achieving consistent models that can be used in collapse scenarios involving successive loss of load-bearing columns at the lowest level of the building. The role of the floor slabs in mobilizing catenary action and influencing the progressive collapse response is also highlighted. Finally, an energy-based approach for identifying the proximity to collapse of regular multi-story buildings is proposed.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.711-737
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• 2015

Steel Plate Shear Walls (SPSWs) have been accepted widely as an effective lateral load resisting system. For seismic performance evaluation of a multi-story building with SPSWs, detailed finite element models or a strip model can be used to represent the SPSW components. However, such models often require significant effort for tall or medium height buildings. In order to simplify the analysis process, discrete elements for the framing members can be used. This paper presents development of a simplified equivalent braced model to study the behavior of the SPSWs. The proposed model is expected to facilitate a simplification to the structural modeling of large buildings with SPSWs in order to evaluate the seismic performance using regular structural analysis tools. It is observed that the proposed model can capture the global behavior of the structures quite accurately and potentially aid in the performance-based seismic design of SPSW buildings.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.163-175
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• 2010

The vertical axis through the modal center of rigidity (m-CR) is used for interpreting the code torsional provisions in the design of eccentric multi-story building structures. The concept of m-CR has been demonstrated by the author in an earlier paper and the particular feature of this point is that when the vertical line of the centers of mass at the floor levels is passing through m-CR, minimum base torsion is developed. For this reason the aforesaid axis is used as reference axis for implementing the code provisions required by the equivalent static analysis. The study examines uniform mixed-bent-type multistory buildings with simple eccentricity, ranging from torsionally stiff to torsionally flexible systems. Using the results of a dynamic response spectrum analysis as a basis for comparisons, it is shown that the results of the code static design are on the safe side in torsionally stiff buildings, but unable to predict the required strength of bents on the stiff side of systems with a predominantly torsional response. Suggestions are made for improving the code provisions in such cases.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.347-369
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• 2016

The main objective of this paper is the robust multi-objective optimization design of semi-active tuned mass damper (STMD) system using genetic algorithms and fuzzy logic. For optimal design of this system, it is required that the uncertainties which may exist in the system be taken into account. This consideration is performed through the robust design optimization (RDO) procedure. To evaluate the optimal values of the design parameters, three non-commensurable objective functions namely: normalized values of the maximum displacement, velocity, and acceleration of each story level are considered to minimize simultaneously. For this purpose, a fast and elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) approach is used to find a set of Pareto-optimal solutions. The torsional effects due to irregularities of the building and/or unsymmetrical placements of the dampers are taken into account through the 3-D modeling of the building. Finally, the comparison of the results shows that the probabilistic robust STMD system is capable of providing a reduction of about 52%, 42.5%, and 37.24% on the maximum displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the building top story, respectively.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.19-35
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• 2010

This paper proposes a hybrid heuristic and criteria-based method of optimum design which combines the advantages of both the iterated simulated annealing (SA) algorithm and the rigorously derived optimality criteria (OC) for structural optimum design of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings under multi-load cases based on the current Chinese design codes. The entire optimum design procedure is divided into two parts: strength optimum design and stiffness optimum design. A modified SA with the strategy of adaptive feasible region is proposed to perform the discrete optimization of RC frame structures under the strength constraints. The optimum stiffness design is conducted using OC method with the optimum results of strength optimum design as the lower bounds of member size. The proposed method is integrated into the commercial software packages for building structural design, SATWE, and for finite element analysis, ANSYS, for practical applications. Finally, two practical frame-shear-wall structures (15-story and 30-story) are optimized to illustrate the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed optimum design method.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.537-564
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• 2015

Excessive motions in buildings cause occupants to become uncomfortable and nervous. This is particularly detrimental to the tenants and ultimately the owner of the building, with respect to financial considerations. Serviceability issues, such as excessive accelerations and inter-story drifts, are more prevalent today due to advancements in the structural systems, strength of materials, and design practices. These factors allow buildings to be taller, lighter, and more flexible, thereby exacerbating the impact of dynamic responses. There is a growing need for innovative and effective techniques to reduce the serviceability responses of these tall buildings. The current study considers a case study of a real building to show the effectiveness and robustness of the TLD in reducing the coupled lateral-torsional motion of this high-rise building under wind loading. Three unique multi-modal TLD systems are designed specifically to mitigate the torsional response of the building. A procedure is developed to analyze a structure-TLD system using High Frequency Force Balance (HFFB) test data from the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory (BLWTL) at the University of Western Ontario. The effectiveness of the unique TLD systems is investigated. In addition, a parametric study is conducted to determine the robustness of the systems in reducing the serviceability responses. Three practical parameters are varied to investigate the robustness of the TLD system: the height of water inside the tanks, the amplitude modification factor, and the structural modal frequencies.

• Proceedings of the Korea Institute of Fire Science and Engineering Conference
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• 2008.11a
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• pp.11-16
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• 2008

The trend of constructing skyscraper has arisen to the offistel and apartment complex due to the lack of exploitable land and urbanization. But, the phenomenon of the multi-story buildings is different from the regular building because of the possibility of mass disaster in fire. Therefore, Analyzing and comparing our actual condition and Japanese, It is going to be suggested that the introduction of fire escape ladder for residents in emergency.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.30-38
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• 2008

The trend of constructing skyscraper has arisen to the offistel and apartment complex due to the lack of exploitable land and urbanization. But, the phenomenon of the multi-story buildings is different from the regular building because of the possibility of mass disaster in fire. Therefore, Analyzing and comparing our actual condition and Japanese, It is going to be suggested that the introduction of fire escape ladder for residents in emergency.