Title:
Study on Coupling Effect of Earthquake and Rockfall on Bottom-Frame Structures in Mountainous Areas (Prepublished)
Author(s):
Zixiang Zhou, Dewen Liu, Weiwei Sun, Yongbing Sun, Yong Ding, Shian Mu, Chenghan Lü, and Xinliang Lü
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
bottom-frame structure; damage evolution; earthquake-rockfall coupling effect; finite element simulation; rockfall impact
DOI:
10.14359/51750661
Date:
4/3/2026
Abstract:
Bottom-frame structures are a prevalent construction form in the mountainous regions of China. The bottom frame and the upper masonry have irregular stiffness. This may lead to concentrated damage in the weak story of buildings under earthquake loading. Additionally, the coupling effect of mountainous region earthquakes and secondary earthquake-induced disasters, such as rockfalls, significantly exacerbates structural damage risks. In this study, a three-dimensional solid model of a bottom-frame structure in mountainous areas was developed using ABAQUS, while the ROCFALL software was employed to simulate the trajectory of rockfalls triggered by earthquake acceleration. A systematic investigation into the dynamic response and damage mechanisms of structures under the coupled effects of earthquakes and rockfalls was conducted. Furthermore, the sensitivity of structural damage to rockfall size, impact velocity, and incident angle under the earthquake-rockfall coupling effect was explored. The results indicate that the coupled earthquake-rockfall effects cause greater structural damage compared to individual hazard actions. The velocity, size, and impact angle of the falling rocks have a significant influence on the extent of structural damage.