Numerical Investigation on Dynamic Performance of a Multi-storey Steel Structure Model and Comparison with Experimental Results

Shaking table testing is the most commonly adopted method to simulate earthquake forces. This approach allows us to analyze the dynamic performance and provides a valuable insight into the dynamics of building structures, which helps to improve their future safety and reliability. The present study aims to conduct a numerical evaluation of dynamic response of a multi-storey steel structure model, which was previously examined during an extensive shaking table investigation. The experimental model was subjected to a number of different earthquake ground motions and a mining tremor. In order to perform this numerical research, the analyzed two-storey steel structuremodel was considered as a 2-DOF system with lumped parameters, which were determined by conducting free vibration tests. The results obtained demonstrate that not only seismic excitations but also mining tremors may considerably deteriorate structural behaviour by inducting strong structural vibrations. The time-acceleration history plots computed for the multi-storey structure model idealized as a 2-DOF system are consistent with those recorded during the previously conducted shaking table investigation, which confirms high accuracy in assuming lumped parameters to characterize the analyzed two-storey steel structure model.