Influence of soil-pile-structure interaction on seismic response of reinforced concrete buildings

It is well known that Peru is located in one of the most active seismic zones in the world and seismic design is a primary concern. Building constructions has increased in Peru during the last few years, especially on the north coast where loose soil deposits predominate. Soil conditions have increased the need of pile foundations. However, the soil-pile-structure interaction is usually not considered in design of superstructures. The soil-foundation system beneath the superstructure influences the seismic performance of buildings. The soil-pile-structure interaction is influenced by the highly non-linear behaviour of the soil, where the interface pile-soil seems to play an important role in design. This study focusses on the influence of soil-pile-structure interaction on seismic response of buildings. A dynamic finite element model of a typical building founded on sandy soil is used to investigate the ground response and earthquake behaviour of a reinforced concrete building based on frames and plates. The results are presented in terms of the most important design parameters such as the lateral displacement of the piles, shear stress, bending moments, structural inter-storey drifts and storey lateral displacements. Effect on ground response in term of spectral acceleration and changes in natural period are also discussed.