Influence of simultaneous multi-axial ground excitation and a compliant base on the response of a non-structural component with multiple supports

In an earthquake, non-structural components (NSCs) are subjected to vibrations coming from the ground through the main structure. Proper design of non-structural components should therefore include the interaction between main structure and the NSC as well as the influence of the surrounding soil, especially when the vertical component of the ground motion is considered. To simulate the system holistically, the multi-axial excitation has to be incorporated in the analysis. To date, only few research has explored the simultaneous influence of these factors. In this work, large-scale shake table experiments were performed to understand the response of a non-structural component attached at three locations on a main structure under the simultaneous influence of the interaction between main structure and non-structural component, multi-axial excitations and supporting soil. The excitation considered is a ground motion recorded in the 1995 Kobe Earthquake. The influence of each factor, separately and simultaneously, will be explicated.