Sub-structure-based ‘three-tiered’ finite element approach to soil-masonry-wall interaction for light seismic motion

• Equivalent soil-structure interaction for modelling vibrations in masonry buildings. Preservation of the vibration properties leading to rocking and elongation. Non-linear model assess (light) damage. Decoupled soil structural models efficient, fast (probabilistic) analyses. Recent, light earthquakes induced by extraction gas north Netherlands have been linked light, mostly aesthetic damage traditional structures region; this is also connected economic losses societal unrest. To be able accurately damage, detailed finite element are necessary need include realistic movement, wave propagation, boundaries. Moreover, minute deformation soil, including translational components seismic ground motion, has shown influential Consequently, study pursued definition efficient boundaries implement A methodology, following sub-structure method Soil-Structure-Interaction (SSI) defined presented. The soil-structure-system divided into three sub-systems: far-field near-field superstructure. First, a 3 km deep 8 wide, plane-strain employed behaviour at surface due deep, simplified events. linear-elastic since only excitations considered. Next, smaller, 30 × 300 m (shallow) with building on top, given boundary elements calibrated replicate observed larger model. Finally, 2D façades set intermediate used reduce representative interface elements. matched terms dynamic behaviour, strains, cracking, displacements, compared existing motion data Zeerijp Westerwijtwerd earthquakes. It demonstrated that equivalent allows considering complex, smeared non-linear, time-history analyses wall probabilistic studies. Models show greater than comparison without it.