technology
July 20, 2020

Natural Oscillations of Buildings and Structures

Methods for determining dynamic characteristics for seismic resistance and technical condition assessment

High-rise buildings and unique architectural objects are buildings of increased responsibility. Seismic resistance requirements may be imposed on them even if they are constructed outside of seismically hazardous areas.

Assessment Methods

Assessment of static and dynamic characteristics of a building or structure can be performed based on analysis of its natural frequencies, periods, vibration modes, and damping coefficients.

Vibration Sources

  • Natural sources — related to natural phenomena such as wind or earthquakes
  • Man-made sources — caused by human activities such as traffic, construction, equipment operation

Vibration from natural sources is typically concentrated in lower frequencies, characterized by high power and long-distance propagation.

Vibration Monitoring

Signs of reduced operational reliability include the appearance of cracks, detached elements from the load-bearing frame, etc. Therefore, building vibrations should be continuously or periodically monitored to determine how dangerous the current vibration loads are for the structure as a whole and for its parts.

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July 20, 2020