Evaluation of the Nonlinear Seismic Responses of High-Rise Reinforced Concrete Buildings with Different Foundations and Structural Plans—Considering Soil-Structure Interactions

Regarding the behavior of reinforced concrete structures under seismic loads, the interaction between structure and soil is as important as the load-bearing system and foundation type. This study was designed to assess the effect of structural types and soil–structure interactions (SSIs) on the responses of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings to earthquakes. Therefore, nonlinear time history analyses were performed on 20-storey RC buildings. In this analysis, three different structural system types and three different foundation types were considered for the parametric study. The numerical results obtained from the nonlinear dynamic analysis were criticized in terms of base shear force and roof displacement. Based on the obtained numerical results, utilizing SSI in the nonlinear time history analysis of the RC buildings improved the overall structural integrity by delaying plastic hinge formation and preventing the total failure of structural elements. Base shear forces increased up to 20% for the same structural system and different SSI situations, and up to 60% for different structural systems and the same SSI situation. Roof displacements increased up to 17% for the same structural system and different SSI situations, and up to 24% for different structural systems and the same SSI situation. All of the behavioral differences showed the importance of considering the SSI in the design stage of the buildings.

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