| This investigation presents a study of the seismic behavior of typical residences located at hills or hillsides and raised on gravity columns by means of numerical simulation. The study takes into account the topographic amplification of the ground motion due to the location of the residences. The attention is focused on the seismic evaluation of these residences with typical geometric parameters obtained from a field survey carried out across Puerto Rico. Non-linear static pushovers and non-linear dynamic transient analyses are performed for the seismic vulnerability evaluation. The results of the analyses are used to select a seismic rehabilitation technique.; Artificial earthquakes with and without topographic amplification were generated for the non-linear time history analyses. A methodology was developed for the identification of failure of the residences. Two new criteria, namely the stiffness matrix determinant and the fundamental period of the structure are proposed and monitored along the time history analyses.; After the evaluation, a set of tables were developed from which a rehabilitation system can be obtained according to the size of structural elements, the clear span and the height of columns from the first floor. Recommendations, specifications and structural details are presented as minimum requirement for a reliable implementation of the seismic rehabilitation system. In addition, recommendations are suggested for the future seismic design of residences located on hills or escarpment exposed to topographic amplifications. |
