Spectral analysis on pounding probability of adjacent buildings

Presented herein is a spectral approach to evaluate the seismic pounding probability of two adjacent buildings simulated by multi-degree-of-freedom systems and separated by a minimum code-specified separation during a period of time. The analytical approach is based on random vibration theory and total probability theory. Numerical simulations of 36 cases are presented in this study. Results of this investigation reveal that the period ratio of the adjacent buildings plays a major role that affects the pounding risk of adjacent buildings. Also noted is that the effect of period ratio on pounding risk has not yet been taken into account in the seismic pounding related provisions of the Uniform Building Code.