Seismic response distribution expressions for on‐ground rigid rocking blocks under ordinary ground motions

Predictive relationships are offered for the response of on-ground 2D rigid blocks undergoing rocking. Among others, this is pertinent to (1) modern or classical antiquity structures that utilize rocking as a seismic protection mechanism and (2) freestanding contents (e.g., cabinets, bookcases, museum artifacts) located on ground lower floors stiff buildings. Blocks varying dimensions were subjected full range assessment under increasing intensity levels ordinary (no-pulse no-long-duration) motions, parameterized by peak acceleration velocity. Both normalized, allowing fitting general-purpose parametric expressions determine mean dispersion an arbitrary block interest. These can be utilized in same way conventional strength-ratio/ductility/period yielding oscillators, enable rapid design simple systems.