Stochastic analysis of two adjacent structures subjected to structural pounding under earthquake excitation

Seismic pounding occurs as a result of lateral vibration and insufficient separation distance between two adjacent structures during earthquake excitation. This research aims to evaluate the stochastic behavior of adjacent structures with equal heights under earthquake-induced pounding. For this purpose, many stochastic analyses through comprehensive numerical simulations are carried out. About 4.65 million time-history analyses were carried out over the considered models within OpenSees software framework. Various separation distances effects are also studied. The response of considered structures is obtained by means of Hertzdamp contact element. The models have been excited using 25 earthquake records with different peak ground accelerations. The probability of collision between neighboring structures has been evaluated. An efficient combination of analytical and simulation techniques is used for the calculation of the separation distance under the assumptions of non-linear elasto-plastic behavior for the structures. The results obtained through Monte Carlo simulations show that use of the current provision’s rule may significantly overestimate or underestimate the required separation distance, depending on the natural vibration periods of adjacent buildings. Moreover, based on the results, a formula is developed for stochastic assessment of required separation distance.