Paper Contents
Abstract
The relationship between soil-structure interaction (SSI) and the seismic performance of high-rise reinforced concrete (RC) structures is a vital focus in earthquake engineering. Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI) profoundly affects the dynamic behaviour of structures, modifying their natural frequencies, damping properties, and mode shapes during seismic events. Conventional seismic analyses frequently presume fixed-base conditions, overlooking the flexibility of the underlying soil, which may result in erroneous predictions of structural behaviour. This review study analyses the impact of soil-structure interaction (SSI) on high-rise reinforced concrete (RC) structures, emphasising how soil flexibility may either exacerbate or alleviate seismic pressures based on soil type, building height, and foundation design. Key results indicate that softer soils are associated with increased lateral displacements and inter-story drifts, which may heighten the susceptibility of tall buildings. The research highlights the imperative of integrating SSI into seismic design codes to improve structural resilience. The document also examines several analytical and numerical methodologies used to evaluate SSI impacts, including finite element modelling (FEM), substructure techniques, and direct integration methods. These approaches facilitate the quantification of soil-structure interaction's influence on seismic response parameters, including base shear, overturning moments, and torsional impacts. Case studies of previous earthquakes illustrate that disregarding soil-structure interaction (SSI) may lead to an underassessment of structural requirements, especially in areas with soft or liquefiable soils. The paper also addresses sophisticated mitigation options, including base isolators and soil enhancement techniques, to diminish detrimental SSI impacts. The research underscores the significance of site-specific geotechnical studies and dynamic soil modelling for precise seismic performance evaluations. This study synthesises current research on SSI effects in high-rise RC structures, highlights deficiencies in present design standards, and suggests avenues for further research. The results support integrated methodologies that merge geotechnical and structural engineering concepts to enhance earthquake performance. Recommendations include the creation of enhanced computational tools and protocols for SSI analysis, especially for tall edifices in seismically active regions. The research underscores the need for more experimental and field validation to improve prediction models and augment the dependability of seismic designs that use SSI. By addressing these challenges, engineers can better safeguard high-rise RC buildings against earthquake-induced failures, ensuring greater safety and sustainability in urban infrastructure.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 RAM SINGH. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
