Abstract:
The rocking response of ten rigid blocks with aspect ratios ranging from 0.7 to 5 was investigated, with a particular focus on the possible effect of interface material. The blocks were allowed to rock on timber, steel, reinforced concrete, and rubber bases. The blocks consisted of either masonry bricks arranged to give the required aspect ratio or a single reinforced concrete block having the required aspect ratio. Preliminary results showed that both aspect ratio and interface material exerted significant influence on the rocking response. In addition, the rocking characteristics of the blocks were calculated using simple mathematical models based on fundamental principles of mechanics. The models were generally found to overestimate the rotation amplitudes and periods.
