Nonlinear modelling and mitigation of seismic pounding between R/C frame buildings

A multi-link finite element contact model reproducing Jankowski’s non-linear viscoelastic relationships is devised and implemented for a time-history analysis of seismic pounding. The mechanical and algorithmic parameters are calibrated with a numerical test case study, represented by two single-storey R/C frames. A real case study, concerning two adjacent buildings representative of a stock of R/C multi-storey frame structures with insufficient separation joints at rest, is then examined. A damped interconnection-based mitigation solution consisting in linking the two structures with fluid-viscous dissipaters is proposed. The benefits of this retrofit strategy are discussed by comparison with the response in original conditions.