Effects of the site dynamic characteristics on soil–structure interaction (I): Incident SH-Waves

In this paper, the role that the site dynamic characteristics play in soil–structure interaction is studied on a simple model in which the site is represented as a soil layer over bedrock (half-space), and using the indirect boundary-element method (IBEM). For the purpose of comparison with published analytical solutions, the structure is represented as a shear wall supported by a semi-circular rigid foundation, subjected to incident plane SH waves. The accuracy of the method is verified, numerical results are analyzed, and the model response is compared with earthquake observations at the Hollywood Storage Building. It is shown that the effects of dynamic soil–structure interaction may become more significant near the characteristic frequencies of the site, and that the resonance of the system shifts to lower frequencies. The thickness of the soil layer, the stiffness of the bedrock, and the mass and the stiffness of the superstructure all influence the values of the system frequencies and system amplitudes.

► We investigate the role of site effects in soil–structure interaction (SSI).
► The site effects are modeled via single layer over half space.
► We analyze SSI for a rigid foundation, shear wall, and excitation by SH waves.
► We formulate the calculations via indirect boundary-element method.
► It is shown that SSI must consider amplification associated with the local site conditions.