Finite element modeling of buildings with structural and foundation rocking on dry sand

Allowing structures to rock during an earthquake can effectively provide base isolation at a relatively small cost. Rocking limits the shear demand and provides self-centering, but rocking response depends on energy dissipation caused by interaction with soil impacts re-centering. This paper addresses computational modeling of buildings that have either been designed beneath their foundation (foundation rocking) or foundation–structure interface (structural rocking). Within OpenSees, structural were modeled using beam-on-a-nonlinear-Winkler-foundation model (BNWF) combined flat-slider elements for footing–soil superstructure–footing interactions, respectively. The modified BNWF (mBNWF) involves uplift-dependent stiffness viscous damping both vertical horizontal directions, friction–vertical force coupling. proposed was used simulate extensive set centrifuge tests involving sequential excitations. Generally, approach, without calibration built-in parameters, adequately captured observed in experiments. More specifically, amplitude waveform story accelerations building angle most cases, including potential nonlinear behavior previous ground excitations some cases critical obtain reasonable predictions. more profound due its inherent dependency strength dissipation; primarily affected transition time between full contact rocking, had smaller effect prediction maximum response.