Dynamic Soil–Structure Interaction Effects in Integrated Retaining Wall-Building System

Abstract

As the area of land suitable for construction goes on reducing day by day, it is a challenge for civil engineers to utilise the space available in most efficient way possible. This study explores the feasibility of integrating buildings with retaining walls for utilising the maximum space available in commercial zones where the landscape is at different levels demanding the provision of retaining walls. A retaining wall of 6 m height and a multi-storey RC frame having 18 m height in the adjoining lower ground at a distance of 4 m are considered for the study. The effects of integrating the retaining wall to building frame by utilising the 4 m space available between them have been studied by providing a connection through the available space and by attaching the retaining wall as a shear wall to the building leaving no space in between them. The three-dimensional finite element model of the integrated retaining wall-building system has been analysed under dynamic loading. Parameters such as deflection and acceleration at top most storey, bending moments, and shear forces in building components are evaluated. Results are compared amongst different cases of retained soil types and different positions of building from retaining wall. The results show considerable reduction in the building deflection and acceleration when the two structures are connected through the space. Reduction in shear force and bending moment in building components are observed when the two structures are attached to each other without any space in between. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.