Highrise building characteristics and responses determined from nuclear seismology

Reliable measurements and detailed analyses of the responses of many buildings to ground motion resulting from underground nuclear explosions are providing new and valuable information on the structural-dynamic properties and behavior of real buildings. Much, if not all, of this knowledge is applicable to the problem of resisting natural earthquake ground motion, and it is being obtained as a byproduct of the AEC underground explosive nuclear safety program which is concerned with developing techniques for making reliable predictions of response and any damage.

Information is provided on oscillator spectral response values, building responses, modal contributions and combinations versus elapsed time and at times of maximum response, variations in natural periods, foundation material interaction, and biaxial motion in the horizontal plane. Data are shown for nuclear events JORUM and HANDLEY and then compared to those of prior major events. In addition, peak responses of certain Las Vegas buildings to the distant February 1971 San Fernando earthquake (U.S. Geological Survey, 1971) are provided and compared to responses to nuclear events.