Seismic resilience of steel moment resisting frame (MRF) structures on slopes considering earthquake frequency content

Rapid population growth is driving construction onto increasingly uneven terrains, where topography critically alters seismic site effects and soil-structure interaction (SSI). Despite evidence of slope-induced amplification and damage during past earthquakes, current seismic design codes lack clear provisions for buildings on irregular topography, and the role of earthquake frequency content remains unquantified. This study investigates how different seismic frequency characteristics influence the dynamic response of steel moment resisting frame (MRF) structures located on slope crests. A combined experimental-numerical approach was adopted: two geotechnical centrifuge tests A combined experimental-numerical approach was adopted: two geotechnical centrifuge tests were used to validate the numerical framework. Two prototype building models were then placed on the validated flat and sloped ground, and subjected to ground motions with varying frequency components. Responses were evaluated in terms of free-field response spectra, structural accelerations, displacements, base shear, and foundation rocking. Results demonstrate the correlation between the topographic frequency, SSI and earthquake frequency content, and their impacts on the seismic characteristics of buildings on sloped terrain that can aid the improvement of current seismic design provisions.