1st European Conference on Earthquake Engineering and Seismology

(a joint event of the 13th ECEE & 30th General Assembly of the ESC)
Geneva, Switzerland, 3-8 September 2006

STS E10: By how much does the natural frequency of structures decrease during seismic response?

Chairs: Maria Todorovska and Pierino Lestuzzi

(mtodorov@usc.edu, pierino.lestuzzi@epfl.ch)

Session abstract: Most seismic building codes estimate the design forces in structures based on the seismic coefficient C(T), where
T is the “fundamental vibration period of the building.” Hence, having realistic estimates of the structural frequencies during strong
earthquake shaking is very important for seismic design of new and retrofit of existing structures. Based on laboratory and field
experiments, as well as on analysis of earthquake records in structures, it has been generally accepted that the frequency during strong
earthquake shaking is smaller than measured during small amplitudes ambient vibration tests, and predicted analytically. However,
there is a disagreement as to how large the decrease in frequency is. In this debate session on a contradictory issue, the following
opposing views will be presented: (1) the decrease of natural frequency is large, and (2) the decrease of natural frequency is moderate.
The emphasis will be on reinforced concrete structures. Michele Calvi from University of Pavia (Italy) will defend the view that the
decrease of natural frequency is large, and Philippe Guéguen from University Joseph Fourier in Grenoble (France) will defend the
view that the decrease is moderate (for RC buildings the decrease is less than 30% as compared to the values obtained from ambient
vibrations tests). Maria Todorovska from University of Southern California (USA) will be the moderator for this session.

Poster Session:
Poster session display time: Thursday and Friday (Sept. 7 – 8th), Level 1.
Poster session principal time: Thursday and Friday 9:15 to 10:15 am

Posters to be mounted on Thursday morning before 9:15, and removed on Friday between 13:00 and 15:30.
Authors to be present near their posters at least during the session principal time: Thursday and Friday 9:15 to 10:15.
Maximum poster size: Height: 140 cm; Width: 90 cm

Oral Session:
Thursday, Sept. 7, 15:30 – 17:00 (3:30 pm – 5:00 pm)
15:00-16:30 : brief introduction (Todorovska) and two invited presentations (Calvi and Gueguen)
16:30-17:00 : discussion

1
 STS E10: Accepted abstracts list (as of Aug. 20, 2006)

No. ID Title Presenter Paper

State-of-the-knowledge on the period elongation of RC buildings during strong ground Calvi, Gian
1 1535 ECEES
shaking Michele
Comparison of the dynamic parameters extracted from weak, moderate and strong Gueguen,
2 1021 ECEES
building motion Philippe
3 2062 Comparison of periods of buildings due to strong and weak motion Celebi, Mehmet SDTB
4 1918 Changing natural frequencies in structures: the case of Millikan library Clinton, John BSSA
5 1122 Simplified equations for estimation of period of vibration of existing buildings Crowley, Helen ECEES
6 1002 Dynamic auscultation of buildings and seismic integrity threshold assessment Hans, Stephane ECEES
Low amplitude versus high amplitude motions in fundamental period assessment of Jalali,
7 0884
buildings Abdolrahim
Kashima, ECEES
8 1005 Dynamic characteristics of an 8-storey building estimated from strong motion records
Toshihide 8NCEE
A study on the characteristics of earthquake ground motion on buildings based on strong-
9 1367 Koyama, Shin
motion observations
Michel,
10 1246 In situ and modeling of RC-structure using ambient vibration and Timoshenko beam ECEES
Clotaire
Frequency and damping shift due to a damaging earthquake: the case of Molise (2002) Mucciarelli,
11 1848
Italy Marco
Snæbjornsson,
12 1207 Monitoring the dynamics of a concrete building enduring earthquake and wind excitation ECEES
Jonas Thor
13 1271 Real-time structural health monitoring incorporating soil structure interaction effects Soyoz, Serdar
By how much does the natural frequency of structures decrease during seismic response? Tashkov,
14 2067
- IZIIS experience from shaking table test of reduced scale model Ljubomir
Variations of apparent building frequencies - lessons from full-scale earthquake Todorovska, ECEES
15 1547
observations Maria ISC,VanNuys

2
 STATE-OF-THE-KNOWLEDGE ON THE PERIOD ELONGATION OF RC BUILDINGS DURING STRONG GROUND
SHAKING
Identification 1535
Author 1 Calvi, Gian Michele ( University of Pavia Pavia Italy )
Author 2 Pinho, Rui ( University of Pavia Pavia Italy )
Author 3 Crowley, Helen ( ROSE School Pavia Italy )

Abstract

This paper presents the case for the significant elongation of the period of vibration of reinforced concrete buildings during strong
ground shaking due to earthquakes. This viewpoint is substantiated by the results of experimental tests on RC buildings, wherein a
large increase in the period of vibration is observed during ground shaking. The increase in the fundamental period is obviously
dependent on the level of shaking and the associated extent of non-linearity that is attained within the structure. Analytical models,
which replicate the results of the experimental tests are introduced and additional studies on the elongation of the period during
seismic action are presented.

3
 COMPARAISON OF THE DYNAMIC PARAMETERS EXTRACTED FROM WEAK, MODERATE AND STRONG
BUILDING MOTION
Identification 1021
Author 1 Dunand, Francois ( LGIT Grenoble France )
Author 2 Gueguen, Philippe ( LGIT Grenoble France )
Author 3 Bard, Pierre-Yves ( LGIT Grenoble France )
Author 4 Celebi, Mehmet ( USGS Menlo-Park United States )

Abstract

Ambient vibration analysis is proposed as an alternative way to inspect buildings before or after an earthquake. This fast and low-
cost method is well-adapted to large-scale studies for which a large amount of buildings has to be checked. One of the most common
critics usually done on the use of ambient vibrations in structures is the very low level of vibrations. Because of the low amplitude
range of the ambient vibration (PGA<10-5g), dynamic characteristics obtained from weak-motion are generally expected to be
significantly different from those obtained using strong-motion (PGA>0.1g). This difference has been already observed essentially
on frequency and on damping values, in case of forcing vibrations and strong ground motion. These variations are generally
attributed (1) to the non-linear behaviour in the structure material; (2) to the slip of the connections; (3) to the interaction between
structural and non-structural elements; and (4) to a possible non-linear soil-structure interaction effect. The objective of this paper is
to present a comparison of the structural dynamic characteristics deduced from strong, moderate and weak motion recordings for a
set of twelve Californian buildings and four European buildings. The present study differs from numerous previous investigations in
two aspects: (a) the number of compared building is larger; and (b) for two buildings, more than 10 earthquakes records are
available, which allow s to investigate the dependence of dynamic characteristics with shaking intensity.

4
 COMPARISON OF PERIODS OF BUILDINGS DUE TO STRONG AND WEAK MOTION
Identification 2062
Author 1 Celebi, Mehmet ( U. S. Geological Survey Menlo Park United States )

Abstract

Results are presented for the periods of five full-scale buildings instrumented by the U.S. Geological Survey, determined from
recorded response to weak (ambient noise or smaller earthquakes), and stronger earthquake shaking. The results show that the
building periods can vary significantly as function of the amplitudes of the response, from few percent up to 100%.

5
 CHANGING NATURAL FREQUENCIES IN STRUCTURES : THE CASE OF MILLIKAN LIBRARY
Identification 1918
Author 1 Clinton, John ( ETH Zürich United States )
Author 2 Heaton, Tom ( Caltech Pasadena United States )
Author 3 Bradford,Case ( Caltech Pasadena United States )

Abstract

The 9 story reinforced concrete Millikan Library building on the campus of Caltech, CA, USA, is one of the most well studied
structures in the world. Since its construction in 1967, it has been permanently instrumented, with yearly forced vibration
measurements. It has survived (and recorded) numerous relatively strong motions from moderate local events (the 1971 M6.6 San
Fernando, 1987 M6.1 Whittier Narrows, 1991 M5.8 Sierra Madre and 1994 M6.7 Northridge events all produced accelerations in
excess of 300cm/s/s at the roof). Since 2001, the Southern California Seismic Network has been archiving continuous 20sps
triaxial data from the 9th floor. A 36 channel triggered array has been operating since 1998. The structural system has suffered a
permanent fall in natural frequency of 22% in the fundamental mode since 1968, caused primarily by the strong motions. During
each strong motion event, the natural frequencies temporarily drop by about 20% before recovering most of the lost stiffness.
These changes have occurred without any major evidence of structural damage. The continuous data additionally suggests there
are measurable changes of the natural frequencies, about 2-5%, at various timescales, apparently in response to changes in weather
conditions (clear correlations are observed with temperature, wind and rain), and building usage (such as weekends and evenings.
when the elevators are not used frequently, or when library space is given over to office space). The mechanism producing these
changes is not known, and may indeed be different for strong motion and ambient vibrations. Potential mechanisms for the
temporary and permanent drops during strong shaking include the degradation of non-structural elements in the superstructure;
rocking facilitated by horizontal cracks in the inner shear walls at the basement; and non-linear softening or compaction of the soil
underneath the building.

6
 SIMPLIFIED EQUATIONS FOR ESTIMATION OF PERIOD OF VIBRATION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
Identification 1122
Author 1 Crowley, Helen ( ROSE School Pavia Italy )
Author 2 Pinho, Rui ( University of Pavia Pavia Italy )

Abstract

Currently, seismic design of new European buildings follows a force-based approach, whilst the assessment of existing buildings is
moving towards a displacement-based philosophy. In force-based design, conservative estimates of the period of vibration should be
produced such that the base shear force will be conservatively predicted from an acceleration spectrum, and thus the use of gross
section (un-cracked) stiffness is perhaps acceptable. Nevertheless, the formula given in the current version of EC8 has been
developed using Californian building stock based on the assumptions that the base shear is proportional to 1/T^2/3 and the
deformations are controlled by the drift limit-state. This formula should ideally be calibrated to European building characteristics
and EC8 design spectra properties. For assessment of buildings, the use of the un-cracked stiffness in the determination of the period
is certainly inappropriate considering cracking of critical elements such as beams generally occurs under gravity loading alone.
However, if cracking is not found to have occurred before the design seismic level of excitation (considered unlikely as this level of
excitation would with all probability have been preceded by a number of lower intensity events), it will occur early on in the
response to excitation and thereafter the stiffness will reduce rapidly leading to the loss of the tension stiffening effect of the
concrete. Thus, the reliable stiffness of the members of an existing RC frame can only be confidently taken as the yield stiffness.
The un-cracked and yield period of new and existing European reinforced concrete buildings of varying height both with and
without infill panels is analytically calculated herein using both eigenvalue and pushover analyses. The results are compared with
the current European code-based formula (i.e. T1=CtH^3/4) and proposals to update this equation for design and assessment,
respectively, are presented.

7
 DYNAMIC AUSCULTATION OF BUILDINGS AND SEISMIC INTEGRITY THRESHOLD ASSESMENT
Identification 1002
Author 1 Hans, Stephane ( ENTPE Vaulx-en-Velin France )
Author 2 Boutin, Claude ( ENTPE Vaulx-en-Velin France )
Author 3 Ibraim, Erdin ( University Walk Bristol UK )
Author 4 Roussillon, Pierre ( BRGM Orleans France )

Abstract

Recent results of in situ measurements and their interest for a seismic assessment of existing buildings are presented and analyzed.
The methodology is exposed on three steps. First an experimental program was performed in order to justify the use of vibration
data collected in situ for identifying the actual dynamic behaviour of usual intact buildings built according to the common practise.
The response to ambient vibrations, harmonic excitation and shock loading is recorded on intact buildings but also after their
structure or their vicinity was modified. Taking advantage of the demolition, the tests enable to determine the actual influence of the
light work elements, full precast facade panels, bearing masonry walls, and the presence of neighbouring joined buildings. These
experiments realized on seven real buildings show that information gathered from ambient measurements provide reliable and
efficient data of real interest for a clear understanding of the actual building behaviour. Second it is shown that the experimental
modal characteristics obtained on regular concrete buildings are described successfully by suited classical or uncommon continuous
beam modelling consistent with the internal structure. In a given direction of motion the key identification parameter of the relevant
modelling is the frequency distribution of the two (or three) first eigenfrequencies. Third, the advantage of integrating these
previous developments in the vulnerability assessment is presented and discussed. Choosing the maximum tensile strain of concrete
as damage criterion for key structural elements, a maximum level of the ground acceleration (in regulation meaning, as PS92) can
be determined. This so-called Seismic Integrity Threshold is directly related to the onset of structural damages. This new approach is
illustrated by using the in situ records of one of studied buildings. This work underlines the advantages of using ambient vibrations
survey for the vulnerability assessment of existing buildings.

8
 LOW AMPLITUDE VERSUS HIGH AMPLITUDE MOTIONS IN FUNDAMENTAL PRIOD ASSESMENT OF
BUILDINGS
Identification 884
Author 1 Jalali, Abdolrahim ( University of Tabriz Tabriz Iran (Islamic Republic Of) )
Author 2 Razeghi, Mahmoud ( University of Tabriz Tabriz Iran (Islamic Republic Of) )

Abstract

The Iranian code has adopted the period formulas contained in the 1997 UBC (uniform Building Code, 1997) which were derived
largely based on periods of buildings measured from their motions recorded during the 1971 San Fernando earthquake. Because of
drastic differences between buildings in Iran and United States of America in terms of material and type of buildings and also
workmanship, suitability of such empirical formulas is questionable. The objective of this investigation is to develop improved
empirical formulas to estimate fundamental vibration period of reinforced-concrete(R/C), steel moment-resisting frame(MRF) and
dual system buildings for use in equivalent lateral force analysis specified in building codes, which is developed based on our own
building data in Iran.

In this research the results of ambient vibration measurements on 30 reinforced concrete buildings and 30 steel structures located at
Tehran and Tabriz have been presented. Ambient vibration measurements have been conducted on buildings designed according to
Iranian code, and the results of such measurements have been compared with code formulas. The results show that in all cases the
fundamental periods predicted from ambient vibration measurements fall below those obtained from empirical formulas of the code,
as if the code predicted periods act as upper limit for test results. In order to find a reasonable relation between fundamental periods
obtained from low and high amplitude motions, extensive study of recorded ground motions on different buildings during
earthquakes have been conducted. We have used records from main shocks, pre-shocks and after-shocks of certain earthquakes. In
selecting the records, we excluded the records that have driven the buildings into their nonlinear behavior. Amplitude dependency of
vibration properties of buildings has been discussed, and recommendations for adopting new empirical formulas based on the results
of ambient vibration tests have been made for Iranian code.

9
 DYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF AN 8-STOREY BUILDING ESTIMATED FROM STRONG MOTION RECORDS

Identification 1005
Author 1 Kashima, Toshihide ( Building Research Institute Tsukuba Japan )

Abstract

Understanding of dynamic characteristics of building structures is a key issue in the seismic design technology. From this point of
view, Building Research Institute (BRI), Japan, has been operating the strong motion network for buildings since 1957. The BRI
annex building is one of the stations of the BRI strong motion network and is densely instrumented with 22 accelerometers. In this
paper, variation of dynamic characteristics of the annex building is discussed through analyses using strong motion records.

Decreasing of fundamental natural frequencies of the annex building with the passage of time is recognized from the optimizing
analysis of 158 strong motion records using a single-degree-of-freedom system. 16 strong motion records with relatively big
displacements are selected in order to examine such phenomena in detail. The Evolution Strategies (ES) algorithm is applied to the
optimizing analysis using a multi-storey sway-rocking model. The ES is a powerful problem-solving tool based on natural evolution.
Building stiffness, rocking stiffness, swaying stiffness and building modal damping ratio are estimated for each strong motion record
using the ES algorithm. The rocking stiffness, the swaying stiffness and the modal damping ratio of the building show stable
behavior with the passage of time. Consequently, it is confirmed that the decreasing of the natural frequencies is caused by the
softening of the building stiffness.

10
 A STUDY ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF EARTHQUAKE GROUND MOTION ON BUILDINGS BASED ON
STRONG-MOTION OBSER
Identification 1367
Author 1 Koyama, Shin ( Building Research Institute Tsukuba Japan )

Abstract

In order to proceed with the rationalization of the seismic design technology, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of
earthquake ground motions and the earthquake response behavior of building during earthquake.

Building Research Institute has installed strong motion observation instruments for 50 years. The prototype measuring system
usually consists of both on the top and in the foundation of the building and adjacent ground surface. In several buildings, additional
sensor with prototype system are conducted to get much more information about the earthquake response behavior of building
during earthquake. Especially, in case of annex building of BRI, the amplification process by the surface layers of ground and the
three-dimensional behavior of the building are recorded using 66 components by 22 tri-axial sensors placed in and around the
building simultaneously. The microtremors observations are also conducted to get the resonance characteristics of building and soil
structure interaction in small amplitude.

On Oct. 23, 2004, the Mid Niigata Prefecture Earthquake was occurred. At two observation sites by JMA and NIED in Ojiya city
Niigata prefecture, the excessive acceleration records were obtained by main shock and principal aftershocks. The aftershocks
observation using prototype measuring system was conducted at two reinforced concrete buildings adjacent to these JMA and NIED’
observation sites.

Through these several kinds of observations, the decrease of amplitude at foundation level to adjacent ground surface is recognized.
That could be considered the effects of kinematic soil structure interaction.

11
 VARIATION OF FUNDAMENTAL VIBRATION PERIOD DURING STRONG MOTION
Identification 805
Author 1 Li-Ling, Hong ( National Cheng Kung University Tainan Taiwan )
Author 2 Hung-Ming, Ke ( National Cheng Kung University Tainan Switzerland )

Abstract

The elastic vibration of a building is somewhat nonlinear, and its fundamental vibration period elongates as the vibration level
increases. When the vibration is inelastic, the increment of fundamental vibration period becomes obvious. Therefore, it is important
to investigate the variation of fundamental vibration period of a structural system under seismic motion for the purpose of damage
evaluation. A hybrid approach combined an ARX model for nonparametric identification and a nonlinear regression analysis for
parametric identification is used to estimate the dynamic characteristics of the first few modes when a one-third downscaled
structural model was excited by a series of base acceleration with gradually increasing amplitudes and a real building was excited by
the 921 Chi-Chi earthquake and the two events before and just after the main event. The whole input and output records are split into
several time intervals in order to identify the fundamental vibration periods at the stages of initial, strong, and residual motions. As
expected for the undamaged cases, the fundamental vibration periods at the strong-motion stage are a little higher than that at the
initial-motion stage, and the fundamental vibration periods at the residual-motion stage are down to that at the initial-motion stage. It
is also founded that the damage of the test model or the real building is trivial, slight, moderate, and serious corresponding to the
maximum softening being less than 0.3, between 0.3 and 0.45, between 0.45 and 0.7, and larger than 0.7, respectively, where the
maximum fundamental vibration period is picked up among those at the strong-motion stage of each event and the initial
fundamental vibration period is defined as the one at the strong-motion stage of the first event.

12
 IN SITU AND MODELLING OF RC-STRUCTURE USING AMBIENT VIBRATION AND TIMOSHENKO BEAM
Identification 1246
Author 1 Michel, Clotaire ( LGIT Grenoble France )
Author 2 Hans, Stephane ( ENTPE Vaulx-en-Velin France )
Author 3 Gueguen, Philippe ( LGIT Grenoble France )
Author 4 Boutin, Claude ( ENTPE Vaulx-en-Velin France )

Abstract

Recently, several experiments were reported using ambient vibration surveys in buildings to estimate the modal parameters of
buildings. Their modal properties are full of relevant information concerning its dynamic behaviour in its elastic domain. The main
scope of this paper is to determine relevant, though simple, beam modelling whose validity could be easily checked with
experimental data. In this study, we recorded ambient vibrations in the Ile Verte 28 stories building of Grenoble (France). This
building has been selected because of the vertical structural homogeneity (28 identical stories). First, a set of recordings was done
using a 18 channels digital acquisition system (CityShark) connected to 6 3C Lennartz 5s sensors. We used the Frequency Domain
Decomposition (FDD) technique to extract the modal parameters of this building. Second, it is shown in the following that the
experimental quasi-elastic behaviour of such structure can be reduced to the behaviour of a vertical continuous Timoshenko beam. A
parametric study of this beam shows that a bijective relation exists between the beam parameters and its eigenfrequencies
distribution. Consequently, the Timoshenko beam parameters can be estimated from the experimental sequence of eigenfrequencies.
Having the beam parameters calibrated by the in situ data, the reliability of the modelling is checked by complementary
comparisons. For this purpose, the mode shapes and eigenfrequencies of higher modes are calculated and compared to the
experimental data. A very good agreement is also obtained. In addition, the beam model integrates in a very synthetic way the
essential parameters of the dynamic behaviour.

13
 FREQUENCY AND DAMPING SHIFT DUE TO A DAMAGING EARTHQUAKE: THE CASE OF MOLISE (2002)
ITALY
Identification 1848
Author 1 Mucciarelli, Marco ( DiSGG - Università della Basilicata Potenza Italy )
Author 2 Dolce, Mauro ( DiSGG - Università della Basilicata Potenza Italy )
Author 3 Gallipoli, Maria Rosaria ( DiSGG - Università della Basilicata Potenza Italy )
Author 4 Masi, Angelo ( DiSGG - Università della Basilicata Potenza Italy )
Author 5 Ponzo, Felice Carlo ( DiSGG - Università della Basilicata Potenza Italy )
Author 6 Vona, Marco ( DiSGG - Università della Basilicata Potenza Italy )

Abstract

During the 2002 seismic sequence in Molise (Italy), the town of Bonefro suffered moderate damage (I= VII MCS ) except for two
reinforced concrete buildings. These buildings are located on soft sediments, close to each other and very similar in design and
construction. The main difference is the height: the most damaged one (European Macroseismic Scale damage 4) has four stories,
whereas the less damaged (EMS damage 2) has three stories. The M 5.4 shock on 31 October damaged both of them. The second
shock on 1 November (M 5.3) increased the damage on the four-story building, just while a 5-min. seismic recording was taken.
We analysed the recorded data using four different techniques: short-time Fourier transform (STFT), wavelet transform (WT),
horizontal-to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR), and horizontal-to-vertical moving window ratio (HVMWR). All the results agree
upon the estimate of the main building frequency before the second shock and upon the shift of frequency due to damage. All the
fundamental frequencies (pre-, during-, and post-damage) are in the range 2.5–1.25 Hz. During the quake there is a reduction of
frequency of about 40%, partly restored after the coda. The damping increases of a factor 2.5 during the damaging phase. In the
framework of an international benchmark project (BOB-Code) we performed numerical analyses to try reproducing the observed
building behaviour. The global properties and their variation were matched by a pushover analysis, while for modeling the onset
and localisation of damage it was necessary to make some assumption concerning the distribution of concrete mechanical
properties.

14
 MONITORING THE DYNAMICS OF A CONCRETE BUILDING ENDURING EARTHQUAKE AND WIND
EXCITATION
Identification 1207
Author 1 Snæbjornsson, Jonas ( University of Icland Selfoss Iceland )
Author 2 Thorarinsson, Odinn ( University of Iceland Selfoss Iceland )
Author 3 Carr, Athol (University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand )
Author 4 Sigbjornsson, Ragnar ( University of Iceland Reykjavik Switzerland )

Abstract

Earthquake and wind induced acceleration data has been systematically collected in a 14-story reinforced cast-in-place concrete
building over period of 14 years. The building has been subjected to repeated earthquake and wind induced excitation. The
earthquake database for the building presently contains records from over 100 events ranging from magnitude 2½ to 6½ with
acceleration amplitudes of up to 22% g. The wind data catalogue is larger but generally contains lower amplitude data.
The geometry of the building is rather complex, as the floor plans vary, changing vertically. The instrumentation is located at three
levels: the basement, the 8th floor and the 14th floor.

The recorded acceleration data is used for system identification of the building. The aim is, to use system identification techniques
and the available recordings to assess the basic dynamic properties of the building, i.e. the natural frequencies and critical damping
ratios for the main modes of vibration. Furthermore, to examine the variability of the system parameters and their dependence on the
excitation conditions. Finally, to check if any changes in structural behaviour can be observed throughout the observation period.
The results serve both as a baseline for damage identification as well as calibration data for further structural modelling of the
buildings.

Changes in the system parameters are observed, which apparently depend both on time as well as excitation level. A slow increase in
flexibility is observed during the whole observation period, in addition to an instantaneous decrease in natural frequencies after each
earthquake. The pronounced decrease in natural frequencies after the bigger earthquakes is followed by a recovery period where the
natural frequencies increase slowly and tend towards the ‘initial’ ones. The ‘instantaneous’ decrease in natural frequencies is
accompanied by increase in corresponding critical damping ratios, which support the interpretation of weak non-linear behaviour.

15
 REAL-TIME STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING INCORPORATING SOIL STRUCTURE INTERACTION
EFFECTS
Identification 1271
Author 1 Soyoz, Serdar ( UC Irvine Irvine United States )
Author 2 Feng, Maria Q. ( UC Irvine Irvine United States )
Author 3 Safak, Erdal ( USGS Pasadena United States )

Abstract

Modal parameters are often used for the purpose of structural health monitoring (SHM) and damage detection. However,
environmental conditions and, more importantly, soil-structure interaction (SSI) can also cause changes in modal parameters. So a
rational way is to construct a database of the modal parameters under different environmental conditions and earthquake excitations,
so that their effect can be excluded when evaluating structural damage.

The authors have instrumented the CalIT2 building, a four-story reinforced concrete structure, located on the UC Irvine Campus
with 43 accelerometers. What makes this building special is that these sensors are not only installed on the building structure, but
also in the free field, and deep onto the rock layer of the soil foundation, making it possible to examine the SSI.

Starting from November, 2004 when this building was new and unoccupied, ambient vibration of the building has been regularly
measured and the dynamic characteristics of the structure identified to develop a database. Within one year, two moderate
earthquakes were also recorded. It was observed that the modal parameters obtained during the earthquake excitations differ from
those obtained under ambient vibrations. The change was found to be mainly due to the SSI. So far, the SSI has not been taken into
consideration in the current structural health monitoring research, which may result in erroneous results. The discovery made in this
research will contribute to the development of a realistic framework for health monitoring of real-life civil engineering structures by
incorporating SSI with monitoring.

Real time data and current status regarding the SHM of Cal-IT2 can be found on:
http://mfeng.eng.uci.edu/Maria_Feng/Research_activities/health_monitoring/waveform2.html

16
 IZIIS EXPERIENCE FROM SHAKING TABLE TEST OF REDUCED SCALE MODEL
Identification 2067
Author 1 Tashkov, Ljubomir (Institute of earthquake Engineering-IZIIS Skopje Macedonia )
Author 2 Krstevska, Lidija ( Institute of earthquake Engineering-IZIIS Skopje Macedonia )

Abstract

The seismic response of the structure depends on several parameters such as: dynamic properties of the structures (natural
frequencies, mode shapes and damping), continuity of the stiffness along the structure, seismic input (frequency content and
amplitudes of motion), resonant effect, soil-structure interaction etc. All above-mentioned parameters and/or particular ones, could
provoke slight or significant decrease of natural frequency of the structure. This phenomenon could be investigated by making
observation on full-scale structure (during earthquake, forced vibration test with different loading force as well as by performing
controlled explosion test with different intensity) or by making shaking table test on reduced scale models.
IZIIS experience in testing models within the period of 1983-2006, offers many data regarding this phenomenon for both field and
laboratory measurements. In this paper, the experience from shaking table test of model of mixed reinforced concrete-masonry
building in scale 1/3, as well as of a model of 105 storey RC hotel building in scale 1/40 will be presented.

17
 VARIATIONS OF APPARENT BUILDING FREQUENCIES - LESSONS FROM FULL-SCALE EARTHQUAKE
OBSERVATIONS
Identification 1547
Author 1 Todorovska, Maria ( University of Southern California Los Angeles United States )
Author 2 Trifunac, Mihailo ( University of Southern California Los Angeles United States )
Author 3 Hao, Tzong-Ying ( University of Southern California Los Angeles United States )

Abstract

Results are presented on the variations of the system frequency of more than 20 instrumented buildings in the Los Angeles area,
exposed to multiple earthquake shaking, both weak and strong. All buildings recorded the 1994 Northridge earthquake (MS=
6.7) and some of its aftershocks, and many also the 1971 San Fernando earthquake (MS = 6.6), both of which caused extensive
damage in the metropolitan area. For each event, the instantaneous system frequency was estimated and plotted versus time and
versus the instantaneous amplitude of response. This made it possible to study its variations during a particular earthquake, and
from one earthquake to another. The system frequencies observed during ambient vibrations, available for some of the buildings,
were higher than those observed during strong shaking. The system frequencies were the lowest during the 1994 Northridge and
1971 San Fernando earthquakes, suggesting system softening during strong shaking, and increased during the aftershocks,
suggesting system recovery. The observed temporary changes were typically up to about 20%. This “recovery” was interpreted
to be due to dynamic compaction of the soil during the (weak) aftershock shaking. The temporary changes of the building
apparent frequencies were interpreted to be mostly due to changes in the soil.

Results are also presented on the instantaneous system frequency in an instrumented building severely damaged by an
earthquake and later demolished. The initial observed decreases of about 28% for NS and 24% for EW motions, are not believed
to be due to damage, based on analysis of drifts and detected novelties in the recorded response using wavelets. The subsequent
decreases, of about 44% for NS and 21% for EW motions, are attributed to damage. Near the end of shaking, increases of about
35% for the NS and 36% for EW motions were observed, suggesting system hardening.

18