NEHRP Clearinghouse

Title
Evaluation, Prevention and Mitigation of Pounding Effects in Building Structures.
File
PB97159552.pdf
Author(s)
Valles, R. E.; Reinhorn, A. M.
Source
National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA., February 20, 1997, 278 p.
Identifying Number(s)
NCEER-97-0001
Abstract
Pounding between inelastic structures is investigated using an energy approach. A comprehensive state of the art review is first presented. The main characteristics of the pounding problem are identified and formulated in terms of energy. A Pseudo Energy Radius concept is introduced to study: (1) the minimum gap size to avoid pounding; (2) the amplifications due to pounding; and (3) the evaluation of different pounding mitigation techniques, including the use of supplemental damping devices and shock absorbers. The formulations presented are then summarized to provide structural engineers with simple design/evaluation procedures to solve pounding problems. Building code considerations for pounding are also reviewed.
Keywords
Seismic design; Oscillations; Slamming; Buildings; Earthquake engineering; Vibration damping; Pounding; Building codes