Experimental and numerical analysis of an industrial RC tower

This study presents the results of analyses performed using a dynamic 3D model of a RC skip tower located at a coal mine in Poland. Kinematic excitation was based on acceleration records of a mining tremor (underground mining activity) and an earthquake. Although Poland is not a particularly active seismic region, there are regional seismic phenomena associated with mineral exploitation. These vibrations, generally connected with human activity, are so-called paraseismic events. Whilst mining-related surface vibrations show some similarities with natural earthquakes, there are also some differences. Dynamic calculations were performed in the time domain. Analysis of the results refers to the distribution of stresses and displacements which were compared to the limit values. An additional goal of the study was to examine the possibility of loss of structural stability and the risk of collapse. The reason for making the analysis was the fact that kinematic excitations of high structures had not been taken into account in the design procedure. Using actual recorded surface vibrations caused by rock burst and earthquake as kinematics loads allowed a comparison of the dynamic responses of the structure with two different seismic events.