The Response of Seismic Pounding Behaviour on Irregular Structures: A Review

Abstract

Over the past decade, major seismic events have repeatedly demonstrated the catastrophic impact of earthquakes, leading to significant structural damage and economic losses. Engineered structures such as buildings, bridges, industrial complexes, and port facilities have suffered extensive destruction, highlighting the urgent need for improved seismic resilience. In highly populated urban and metropolitan areas, the scarcity and high cost of land often result in buildings being constructed nearby. This close spacing, combined with inadequate separation between adjacent structures or even different sections of the same building, makes them highly vulnerable to seismic-induced pounding. Pounding occurs when adjacent buildings, due to insufficient separation gaps, collide during an earthquake, leading to severe damage. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that neighboring buildings often serve different functions such as residential, commercial, or institutional use resulting in distinct structural configurations and dynamic properties. These differences, including variations in mass, stiffness, natural frequency, and fundamental period, cause adjacent buildings to vibrate out of sync during seismic activity. This phase difference in vibrations can amplify impact forces, leading to anything from minor architectural damage, such as cracks in walls and façade failures, to complete structural collapse. To mitigate the effects of pounding, engineers and designers must carefully consider factors such as proper separation gaps, the use of expansion joints, and the incorporation of energy-dissipating devices. Retrofitting existing buildings with additional damping mechanisms or flexible connections can also help minimize damage during seismic events. Understanding the risks associated with pounding and implementing effective design strategies is crucial in ensuring the safety and longevity of structures in earthquake-prone regions.