The Interaction between Adjacent Structures with Different Foundation Levels under Earthquake Loading

The aim of this paper is to study the interaction between adjacent structures with different foundation levels under earthquake loading conditions. Structures and soil are represented by two different models. In the first case, the structure itself is modeled with standard frame element, whereas the soil behavior is stimulated by a special grid model. In the second case, the structure and soil are represented by plane stress or plane strain elements. The Interaction between the two structures is demonstrated and discussed via numerical examples using the proposed method and program. In case of the structures having shallow foundations, the interaction is small and negligible. If the foundation of one structure is shallow and the other one deep, then the interaction renders the forces in one structure 20% smaller than those in a single shallow structure, If the neighboring structures have the same deep foundation level, then due to interaction the forces in one structure are 25% larger than those in a single deep structure.