Determination of seismic soil–structure interaction in shear-wall buildings on sloping ground

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51372/gacetatecnica272.2

Keywords:

soil–structure interaction, nonlinear seismic analysis, structures on sloping ground

Abstract

In structural practice, it is common to assume rigid foundations when modelling structures. However, this simplification neglects the actual effects of soil–structure interaction (SSI), which may lead to underestimation of the seismic response. This study evaluates such interaction in mid-rise shear-wall buildings located on slopes of 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°, through nonlinear dynamic analyses performed using SeismoStruct. Real Chilean seismic records, including those from Angol and Valparaíso, among others, were applied, incorporating link-type models in accordance with FEMA P-2091 to represent dynamic stiffnesses. Displacements, interstory and global drifts, shear forces, and structural damage were analyzed. The results show that SSI and ground inclination significantly influence the dynamic response of the system, particularly in structures with high lateral stiffness. This study provides practical recommendations for seismic design in areas with irregular topography, promoting a more realistic representation of structural behavior

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Author Biographies

Vicente Fuentealba Reyes, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

Vicente Fuentealba Reyes. Civil Engineer. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. (ROR:02cafbr77). Chile. Email: vicente.fuentealba.r@mail.pucv.cl

Juan Carlos Vielma Pérez, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

Juan Carlos Vielma Pérez. Civil Engineer. Master of Science in Structural Engineering, University of Los Andes, Venezuela. PhD from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Spain. Faculty Researcher at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso (ROR:02cafbr77), Chile. Email: juan.vielma@pucv.cl

Edgar Giovanny Diaz-Segura, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

Edgar Giovanny, Diaz-Segura. Doctor en Ingeniería Civil. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. (ROR:02cafbr77). Chile. Correo: edgar.diaz@pucv.cl

 

References

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Published

2026-07-08

How to Cite

Fuentealba Reyes, V., Vielma Pérez, J. C., & Diaz-Segura, E. G. (2026). Determination of seismic soil–structure interaction in shear-wall buildings on sloping ground. Gaceta Técnica, 27(2), 12-21. https://doi.org/10.51372/gacetatecnica272.2