Simulating Soil-Structure Interaction for Induced Seismicity: A Substructure Method Application
Please login to view abstract download link
Micro-earthquakes may occur from underground operations, such as geothermal power production or hydraulic fracturing. The vibrations caused by these micro-tremors are generally regarded as a minor annoyance, comparable to those from railway track activities. However, due to heightened public concern about induced seismicity, it is essential to assess the impacts of these microseismic events on built environments, both in terms of safety, serviceability, and comfort. In this study, we introduce a numerical technique for simulating buildings exposed to induced seismicity. We utilize a substructure approach, in which the soil is modeled as a continuum via the integral transform method (ITM) and the building is modeled as a discrete structure using the finite element method (FEM). For the semi-analytical elastodynamic solution, the seismic excitation is converted to an equivalent load acting at the soil-structure interaction nodes. To determine these equivalent loads, free-field displacements at these nodes must be calculated in advance. We apply this method to a frame structure resting on a plate foundation over a layered half-space subjected to a geothermal-induced earthquake with characteristics typical of the Greater Munich Area in Germany.
