A simplified non-linear soil-structure interaction (SSI) model for the earthquake response of surge vessels resting on shallow foundations

Abstract

In this study, earthquake response of a surge vessel which consists of 8 interconnected tanks is studied. This HPV unit is located in western Saudi Arabia with 600.000 m³/day desalination capacity. The focus of this study is to see and evaluate the response of the structure under soil structure interaction effects. Therefore the properties of the superstructure are kept the same for all the analysis. SSI parameters and earthquake input motions are changed in order to represent the various properties of soil and earthquake motions. The comparisons of analyses results to earthquake codes are made. Some suggestions are made to overcome the existing weakness and increase the performance of the structures. SSI model is developed and various non-linear analyses are conducted and the results are evaluated and compared. Also the difference in response of the structure is compared with and without SSI considered. In the first chapter of this study, the scope of the work and general information about the surge vessel is given. In the second chapter, the methodology is explained. In the third chapter modelling and analyses are explained. Modelling and analyses are not kept as separate chapters in the name of being compatible with the development flow of the study. And the analyses results are evaluated and comparisons are made along with the development. In the fourth and final chapter conclusions are presented and suggestions for improving this study are proposed.