Introduction to Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI)

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

2:32 PM

SOIL STRUCTURE INTERACTION (SSI):

Definition:

The process in which the response of the soil influences the motion of the
structure and the motion of the structure influences the response of the soil
is termed as SSI. In this case neither the structural displacements nor the
ground displacements are independent from each other.

Application:

Traditional Structural Engineering methods disregard SSI effects, which

is acceptable only for Light structures on relatively stiff soil (low rise
structures and simple rigid retaining walls).
SSI effects become prominent and must be regarded for structures
where P delta effects play a significant role structures with massive or
deep seated foundations, slender tall structures and structures
supported on a very soft soils with average shear velocity less than 100
m/s.(Euro Code 8).

Steven F. Bartlett, 2014

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Introduction to SSI (cont.)
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2:32 PM

Simplified Method
(from Kramer, Ch. 7)

Semi-infinite half space

SDOF system on elastic soil deposit

Replacement of semi-infinite
half space with springs and
dashpots

rigid, finite base

Idealized discrete system in which compliant base is represented by

translational and rotational springs (k) and dashpots (c); note that horizontal
and rotational modes are allowed in this diagram.

Steven F. Bartlett, 2014

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Introduction SSI (cont.)
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2:32 PM

Steven F. Bartlett, 2014

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Introduction SSI (cont.)
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Accounting for Energy Loss (Damping)

General types of damping

Material Damping
Damping to inelastic, hysteretic behavior of material under cyclic loading

Radiation or Geometric Damping

Damping due to loss of wave energy into the semi-infinite half space

Waves caused
by the
vibration of the
structure are
lost from the
system (no
reflections) in
the semi
infinite half
space

Steven F. Bartlett, 2014

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Introduction SSI (cont.)
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2:32 PM

Modeling of Radiation Damping (3D Damping) in FLAC

Note that the dynamic

input can be either internal
(e.g., blast) or external
(earthquake). In this model
absorption of the waves on
the edges of the model is
performed by the quiet
boundary. Absorption of
the wave in the out-of-
plane direction is done by
using the 3-D damping
boundary feature.

In this case, a compliant

(deformable base is modeled
using a quiet boundary
placed at the base.

Steven F. Bartlett, 2014

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Introduction SSI (cont.)
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Steven F. Bartlett, 2014

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