Dynamics and earthquake resistance of rocking structures

Studies of freestanding engineering structures have shown that, during earthquakes, they typically undergo only small deformations, and therefore the mechanical stresses that develop within them remain low. However, their rocking motion and the possibility of overturning must be taken into account. Even for relatively simple structures, such as cylindrical bodies, the dynamics can be highly complex under small imperfections. Building on previously studied models, we investigate how impacts, intermittent contacts, and the associated continuous energy dissipation during rocking affect the stability of geometrically imperfect structures. We also examine the influence of time-dependent, earthquake-like loading on structural stability.

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