Search

Abstract Low velocity impact behaviour of laminates made of different reinforcements and matrices was studied in this paper. Impact tests were carried out up to penetration and at increasing energy values on glass fibre reinforced phenolic resin laminates, with different configurations (quasi-isotropic and orthotropic) and thicknesses, in order to correlate the indentation depth with the impact energy. Impact results obtained on basalt fibre reinforced epoxy resin laminates with different thicknesses were compared too. The stacking sequence of the glass fibre specimens was found to have no influence on the penetration energy but revealed lower indentation for the quasi-isotropic ones, under the same impact energy, for all the thicknesses tested. Moreover, basalt laminates showed lower indentation depths, compared to the data from this research and present in literature on other material systems. Finally, the results from the impact tests were used to validate existing semi empirical laws for the evaluation of the indentation and the penetration energy, in which the fibre content assumes the most relevant role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woven hemp fabric reinforced polylactic acid composites with different fibre volume fraction (20, 30 and 40%) were manufactured by compression moulding process. To better understand the industrial application limits of the investigated bio-composite, flexural and impact properties were determined and compared to those of the unreinforced bio-polymer and the creep behaviour at different values of temperature was widely investigated adopting the Arrhenius theory. In addition, to predict the long-term mechanical performance of the investigated bio-composite, the possibility to use the Time-Temperature Superposition model was investigated. For this purpose, Dynamic-Mechanical tests were conducted to evaluate the activation energy and then to apply the Time-Temperature Superposition model to the compliance curves, obtained by short-time creep tests under different load conditions. Therefore, to examine the validity of the theoretical model, experimental long-time tests were also carried out. The results show interesting mechanical properties and a good fit between the theoretical and the experimental creep curves, particularly when the fibre volume fraction was equal to 20 and 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experimental work, the behaviour of unidirectional glass fibre-epoxy composites under a cutting force was studied, in order to better understand the cutting mechanisms of processes involving but not limited to composite materials. Starting from composite panels manufactured by resin infusion process, dedicated specimens were obtained and subjected to a quasi-static punch-shear test. Eight different fibre orientation angles with respect to the direction of the cutting force were considered. For each case, different stress-strain behaviours were observed and discussed. The differences were also investigated, in terms of damage propagation, by means of microscopic observations of the cutting zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seismic performance of an ancient Neapolitan Masseria has been evaluated. • Three analysis types based on the three evaluation levels foreseen by the Italian Guidelines on Cultural Heritage have been applied to the case study building. • The analysis results, compared to each other, have shown the problems and the high vulnerability degree of the building. • The simplest evaluation level (EL1), compared to the most detailed one (EL3), has provided unconservative results in predicting the building seismic vulnerability. • Consolidation interventions have been designed and applied to the structural parts of the Masseria to improve its seismic behaviour. In this paper, the seismic vulnerability appraisement, together with repairing and consolidation operations, of a masonry building with cultural and artistic value located in a small city near Naples are reported and discussed. After a brief digression about the condition of historical and cultural Italian heritage damaged by seismic events and usually in poor condition due to a lack of maintenance, the case study is presented and described, providing not only historical news but also information about as-built status, spaces, functions and structural issues. Once the principal failure modes affecting the building are identified, the estimation of seismic vulnerability is performed through three different evaluation levels given by the Italian Guidelines on Cultural Heritage. The analysis results, compared to each other, have shown the problems and the high vulnerability degree of the building. Finally, according to the Italian Guidelines, the consolidation and upgrading interventions are proposed and described to ensure a safety use of the Masseria under seismic actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current paper a novel procedure to select the optimal solution both for seismic retrofitting of existing RC buildings and for super-elevation of existing masonry constructions has been implemented by using three different Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) (TOPSIS, ELECTRE and VIKOR) methods. The procedure application has been faced with reference to two case studies. The first intervention has been studied on a real full-scale 3D RC structure retrofitted with different seismic protection devices mainly based on metal materials, whose performances were experimentally evaluated in a previous research project. All the applied MCDM methods have provided the same result, that is the dominating role exerted by aluminium shear panels for seismic retrofitting of the analysed structure. On the other hand, different innovative and traditional constructive systems have been examined to increase the number of floors of existing masonry buildings. The effectiveness of these interventions in improving the base building behaviour has been proved on a typical building of the South Italy. The study results, achieved by using the three MCDM methods inspected, have provided as an optimal solution the cold-formed steel systems thanks to their prerequisites of lightness, economy and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the numerical calibration of a speedy procedure for large scale seismic vulnerability assessment of masonry building aggregates, which are typical building compounds diffused within historical centres of many Italian towns. First of all, based on several numerical analyses developed with the 3MURI calculation program, this simplified assessment procedure has been implemented, it being derived from the well known vulnerability form for masonry buildings integrated by five parameters accounting for the aggregate conditions among adjacent units. Later on, the set-up procedure has been validated through an application to a single building aggregate in the Vesuvius area. Since the results previously achieved have been again confirmed, subsequently the procedure has been used to investigate a wide area of the historical centre of Torre del Greco, allowing for the knowledge of the buildings most at risk under earthquake. Finally, the methodology has been applied to the historical centre of Poggio Picenze (AQ), damaged by the recent Italian earthquake (2009), in order to prove its effectiveness to foresee the damage level experienced by other types of masonry aggregates under seismic actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The procedure can be used for the identification of historical steelworks. • A database of material properties was setup from literature and standard documents. • The material data can be used for structures with limited knowledge level. • An identification method has been proposed for cast iron, wrought iron and steel. • The procedure can be improved by using non-destructive testing (NDT) method. Mechanical properties of materials, as provided by current design standards, are the pre-requisites for the proper identification and structural assessment of existing buildings and civil engineering works. For mechanical characterisation, in case of "Limited Knowledge" (KL1) without direct information on the material properties, the usual features according to the standards at the construction time are considered. This is the case, for example, of structural metalworks characterised by historical and artistic interest (bridges, roof galleries, covered markets, railway stations, etc.) or industrial archaeology buildings where, because of the constraints imposed by the National Authorities of Cultural Heritage Preservation, extensive or exhaustive in-situ tests cannot be performed. This paper focuses chronologically, from the XIX century until today, on the evolution process of ferrous alloys, namely cast iron, wrought iron and steel, for structural applications. After a description and classification of the aforementioned materials and their production processes, the main mechanical properties and design stresses for bending and compression elements are briefly analysed and collected in a chronological order. Reference is made to the product specifications and design codes, integrated with data from extensive experimental testing. The resulting database can support realistic assumptions about materials and their properties, used over a range time of over 100 years, once the age of building is known. Finally, a methodology for identifying existing metal carpentry structures, which combines the database with fast non-destructive testing methods, is proposed. Such an approach can be effectively used not only for historical steelworks, but also for the mechanical characterization of structural subsystems or elements (e.g. beams, columns, lintels, tie rods) in common existing buildings made of either steel or steel-rc composite structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Extends wavelet-based rDSF for irregular MRFs. • Substitutes wavelet-based rDSF instead of S a (T 1) to map fragility curves. • Develops fragility curves by using cmor f b - f c wavelet-based rDSF. • Results more accurate probability of damages through cmor f b - f c wavelet-based rDSF. • WCSBs with a higher probability of damages impose significant negative effects on the seismic performance of regular MRFs. In the conventional performance‐based earthquake engineering framework, fragility curves are mapped to a function of story drift ratio or spectral acceleration corresponding to the first mode. Based on the fragility curves, the probability of structural healthy status can be estimated. Practically, it is difficult to measure story drift and expensive to develop an automative measuring system. Therefore, this paper strives to develop fragility curves by using wavelet-based refined damage-sensitive feature (rDSF), considering higher mode contributions. These fragility curves can be obtained from absolute acceleration responses recorded at each story of buildings. As irregularities have important and significant effects on behaviour and seismic performance of Moment Resisting Frames (MRFs) especially in the field of structural health monitoring, in the next step, we extend the fragility curves for irregular MRFs. To this end, an efficient and more precise rDSF using Morlet and cmor fb - fc wavelets are extended to map fragility curves. The correlation coefficient between rDSF and maximum story drift ratio is evaluated as a criterion to determine the effects of irregularity. The 6-story steel benchmark MRF was manufactured to consider a stiffness reduction irregularity caused by the deference in story height and ductility of beam-column members. To assemble rDSFs, acceleration responses recorded both from the regular and irregular MRFs were analyzed by using incremental dynamic analysis, subjected to different ground motion sets. Moreover, a system identification method is used to identify the natural frequencies of each MRF. Based on the acquired results, it can be concluded that the MRFs including higher first story and weak columns-strong beams changes with a higher probability of damages lead to damage occurrence at lower seismic intensities and also lower maximum story drift ratios as compared with those of reference MRF. Moreover, the results show that the fragility curves estimated by wavelets-based rDSF, especially by using cmor fb - fc wavelet-based rDSF, due to lower probability of damages (varied between 27% and 81% for different damage states) have more efficiency than the fragility curves derived from Morlet wavelet-based DSF, considering only the first mode, for all the MRFs of interest. Furthermore, global fragility curves lead to a total assessment of the MRFs, while for a more accurate damage diagnosis, the rDSF-base fragility curves computed for each story can be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Light metal exoskeletons are used for integrated seismic-energy retrofit of existing RC buildings. • Three different solutions are applied to increase the seismic performances of an existing RC school buildings. • Seismic behaviour before and after interventions is investigated in the static non-linear field. • The comparisons among intervention techniques are made in terms of the seismic safety index provided by the Italian technical standard. • Local reinforcement interventions on RC school building columns are performed together with the applied exoskeletons to attain the minimum safety index required by the standard code for this building category. Italian built heritage is highly vulnerable due to old public and private buildings designed without recent seismic and energy regulations. In particular, school buildings represent a critical typology that should be retrofitted to guarantee safety and comfort to the users. In this framework, interventions from building outside able to avoid interruption of school activities should be required. A solution to solve this issue can be found in the retrofit solution with exoskeletons. In this scenario, the paper presents the comparison among three similar solutions of metal lightweight exoskeletons for the integrated seismic-energy retrofit of a RC school building assumed as a case study. The RC structure of the school is firstly modelled with a finite element software and then subjected to pushover analysis before and after retrofit interventions to assess the benefit of each exoskeleton solution. The comparisons among intervention techniques are made in terms of the seismic safety index (ζ E) provided by the Italian technical standard. The results show the more or less efficacy of the different inspected systems, even if integrative local interventions are needed to reach the minimum safety index (0.60) required for school buildings. As a conclusion, these novel light metal exoskeletons have proven to be efficient retrofitting systems for residential buildings or even for school buildings with regular façades and plan layouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Steel three-dimensional lattice trusses are highly efficient technical solutions to cover large spans, especially when single members are not provided with intermediate restraints able to prevent lateral-torsional buckling phenomena. In the present paper, a compound structure made of steel lattice beams and structural glass slabs is proposed for protection of monumental and archaeological sites. Due to both the risk exposure of monumental heritage to be protected and the use of structural glass, the definition of an appropriate design criterion is mandatory in order to avoid brittle collapse mechanisms. The attention is herein paid to the design procedure, with a brief description of basic ideas behind and the main focus on the parametric capacity design of the structure. The proposed procedure, whose validity is quite general, has been herein implemented by linear numerical analyses, which represent the basic step for further refined analysis aimed at erecting a full-scale prototype to be experimentally tested. Highlights • Steel 3D trusses are a highly efficient technical solution to cover large spans. • A steel lattice beam – glass slab compound structure is proposed for protecting monumental and archaeological sites. • An appropriate design criterion towards vertical loads is proposed in order to avoid brittle collapse mechanisms. • The proposed procedure is verified by linear and non-linear numerical analyses • The results will be used for further refined analysis aimed at erecting a full-scale prototype to be experimentally tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial truss beams are an extremely efficient typological solution for covering large spans, especially in the cases where members do not have lateral restraints capable of preventing flexural–torsional buckling phenomena In this study the structural behaviour of innovative steel 3D lattice beams in combination with structural glass slabs, used as roof decks, is investigated for protection of historical assets and archaeological sites. After a brief description of the novel structural system, the attention is focused on the experimental activities carried out for the mechanical characterization of both material and structure. In particular, four-point bending tests are carried out on full-scale prototypes in order to both validate the design procedure and calibrate numerical models useful to extend the achieved results through Geometrically and Materially Nonlinear Analysis with Imperfections (GMNIA analysis). • Four-points bending tests on innovative 3D built-up lattice beams were performed under monotonic loads. • The prototypes showed a ductile behaviour with full yielding of the bottom chord. • The experimental response evidenced the robustness of the design criteria developed by the authors for sizing purposes. • The experimental study allowed for the evaluation of the reliability of some capacity models implemented in Eurocode 3 to predict the elastic and plastic behaviours of systems like those under investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effect of VGM on the Romanian historical masonry building is analysed. • The ground motion vertical component has a high-frequency content in the time domain. • Spectral V/H PGA ratios are period-dependent for short vibration periods. • The decompressive seismic action reduces the capacity of masonry structural elements. • The VGM increases the global vulnerability by the activation of failure mechanisms. The current paper aims at analysing the effect of ground motion vertical component in the case of near-field excitations on the structural response of historical masonry buildings. In this perspective, the Banloc Castle in Romania has been considered as a reference case study. This historical masonry structure was damaged by the Banat-Voiteg earthquake that occurred in December 1991 in the homonymous city. To this purpose, a FEM model of the building, set up using the DIANA FEA analysis software, has been studied in the non-linear dynamic field considering a real ground motion record based on specific source-to-site distance, moment magnitude and focal depth. The effects of the impulsive earthquake have been evaluated considering the main engineering demand parameters, such as displacements and forces, focusing on two different scenarios, namely horizontal and horizontal + vertical ground motions. The obtained results have shown that the vertical ground motion sensibly modifies the structural capacity of the building since it produces a relevant modification of the in-plane walls behaviour and the stress conditions. Important considerations about the behaviour (or seismic response modification) factor, ductility and stress in terms of axial and shear forces have been provided. Moreover, numerical damage patterns have been compared to the real cracks detected. Finally, a set of fragility curves has been derived taking into consideration the near-field effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• AVTs are performed on eight historical masonry mosques. • Natural periods of the mosques are calculated and numerical models are calibrated. • Fundamental frequency and dynamic characteristics of the ground are identified. • Empirical relation is presented for the natural periods of the mosques. Eight historical mosques of Kermanshah constructed in 18th or 19th century CE are investigated with ambient vibration tests on their sites and buildings. Conventional peak picking technique is used for determination of structures' fundamental frequencies and spectral ratio of horizontal to vertical components along with ellipticity inversion of Rayleigh waves are considered to identify the natural frequency of ground and shear wave velocity profile to define the site conditions according to the national codes of Iran and Italy. The recorded motions on the buildings are used to calculate the fundamental frequencies of the structure. Afterward, buildings are modeled by macro-element method and material properties are tuned in the way that the fundamental frequencies from the modal analyses match with the measured values from AVTs. Finally, more modal analyses are performed by the calibrated models to present an empirical relation between the natural period of the mosques, the geometrical characteristics of the buildings, and the mechanical properties of the construction materials. The results show that the natural periods of the masonry buildings of the mosques are different from the values of empirical relations in the national codes. Meanwhile, the proposed empirical relation presents the natural periods of the buildings of this study reasonably well and can be used for other masonry buildings of similar architecture and materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The seismic risk assessment of typical historical masonry churches located in the Banat region, Romania, through multilevel analysis procedures is presented. • By selecting six churches in this area, territorial scale assessments are carried out by means of LV0 and LV1 methods recommended by Italian code. • In a second step, local (LV2) and global (LV3) numerical analyses are performed on one representative church with the aim of identifying possible collapse mechanisms. • The LV2 method is applied by following a computational kinematic limit analysis approach. • In the LV3 method, modal linear and non-linear static analyses are carried out on a global finite element model. This paper aims to show some results of seismic assessment of Romanian Orthodox existing masonry churches, by extending the multi-level approach proposed by the Italian directive for seismic risk evaluation of cultural heritage. To this scope, a sample of six existing churches is examined, belonging to a church typology characterized by a single vaulted nave and a bell tower incorporated into the main façade. All churches considered in this study are located in the Banat region, which is an area with a medium–high seismic hazard. Firstly, territorial Level of Valuations (LV0 and LV1) are conducted on the churches sample examined. Afterwards, local (LV2) and global (LV3) valuations are performed on a case study, the Învierea Domnului church, assumed representative of all the churches sample under consideration. In particular, local analyses are performed on some church architectural portions with the kinematic limit analysis. Whereas, global analyses are conducted with non-linear push-over approach. Comments and comparisons of the obtained results are reported for each LV examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seismic response evaluation of two historical masonry aggregates. • Advanced 3D FE numerical simulations. • High vulnerability of the perimeter walls. • The structural response of a single unit is affected by the adjacent structural parts. Historical masonry aggregates represent a large portion of the cultural heritage in Italy and are highly vulnerable to seismic actions, as shown by past seismic events. Typically, they are large and complex structures for which there is a lack of knowledge and information concerning the structural behavior, in particular as far as the response to seismic actions is concerned. This paper investigates the seismic response of two complex historical masonry aggregates located in Sora (Lazio region, Central Italy), through advanced 3D FE numerical simulations. For each aggregate, a detailed 3D FE model is developed and analyzed in the non-linear dynamic range, assuming that masonry behaves as a damaging-plastic material with almost vanishing tensile strength. The seismic performance of the two aggregates is evaluated in terms of damage distribution, energy density dissipated by tensile damage and maximum normalized displacements. The numerical analyses show the high vulnerability of the perimeter walls. In particular, the units at the extremities of the aggregate are subjected to large displacements, being not efficiently braced by the adjacent units and being subjected to the torsional effects induced by the seismic action. The presence of several openings is a fundamental feature that significantly decreases the strength of the perimeter walls, influencing the damage distribution in the aggregate mainly due to out-of-plane actions. The most damaged elements are generally the walls of the tall units without lateral support and the adjacent slabs covering large spans. Numerical results also show that the structural response of a single building unit is affected by the interactions with adjacent structural parts. Moreover, it can be stated that a preliminary structural assessment through kinematic limit analysis on partial failure mechanisms may be reliable only after a proper estimation of the different structural elements playing a role in the horizontal behavior (e.g. interlocking between walls, typology of masonry, distribution of horizontal loads, constraints and dead loads distribution, etc.). The obtained results will be also used in an accompanying paper to benchmark simplified approaches that can be employed by engineers in common design practice to quickly predict the seismic vulnerability of masonry aggregates and define the most suitable strengthening interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Experimental tests have been performed on 57 extruded aluminium bars. • One and two stages Ramberg-Osgood models have been provided for each tested aluminium alloy. • The low cycle fatigue curves have been obtained for 6060, 6082 and 7075 alloys. • Ductility and dissipation have been evaluated in the cyclic tests. • The skeleton curves are derived for each aluminium alloys by means of the incremental cyclic tests. In the present paper an extensive experimental campaign is carried out on 5000, 6000 and 7000 aluminium series through monotonic and cyclic tests. The research is part of a collaboration between the Universities of Salerno and Naples "Federico II" involved for several decades in the development of the Eurocode recommendation regarding the aluminium alloys for structural purposes. The experimental program is composed of 3 monotonic experiments for each aluminium alloy, 29 low-cycle fatigue tests for 6060, 6082 and 7075 alloys and 10 incremental cyclic tests under different loading cycles for all tested alloys. The main purpose of this campaign is the characterization of such alloys not only in terms of the well-known stress–strain curve while in terms of low cycle fatigue, cyclic hardening, dissipated energy and plastic fracture, to achieve more information about the non linear behaviour which can be exhibited, as an example, under seismic loading. In fact, since now, the largest part of the research has been mainly focused on the behaviour of such materials under a large number of cycles in elastic range thus neglecting the potential benefits in exploiting the large dissipative capacity of such alloys. Moreover, the collected information could be of fundamental importance in the framework of the revision of the new Eurocode 8 which presents, for the first time, a section devoted to the seismic design of structures made of aluminium alloys. The accurate knowledge of the random material variability and cyclic hardening could be helpful for the setting up of the coefficients to be used for the application of the hierarchy criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest for natural fibers as reinforcement in composites is growing for a large number of products also for aeronautic applications, where the flame retardant requirement is fundamental. In this research, ammonium polyphosphate was incorporated as flame retardant into hemp/epoxy biocomposites produced by infusion technology. Cone calorimeter, vertical burning, dynamic mechanical analysis and bending tests were performed in order to study fire and mechanical behavior of the produced biocomposites with different percentage of ammonium polyphosphate. The results showed a decisive improvement of the flame properties; no-effect on their mechanical properties and on the technological feasibility of the process were observed. Therefore, the addition of ammonium polyphosphate enhanced flame retardancy of hemp/epoxy-resin biocomposites without sacrificing their mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seismic performance of monopole transmission towers are evaluated. • Two benchmark concrete transmission towers are selected as case studies. • An isolation system is installed to improve the tower seismic performance. • Refined finite element models are built in OpenSees environment. • The overall responses of isolated towers are improved by the use of tendon elements. The seismic performance of monopole transmission towers under the near-fault earthquake excitations are evaluated in this paper and some innovative solutions are presented to enhance their seismic behaviour. To this purpose, two benchmark concrete transmission towers are selected as case studies. The towers differ in the used materials, which are high-performance and ultra-high-performance concretes. In order to improve the tower performance under seismic actions, an isolation system with and without tendon elements are installed. The tendon gross-sectional area, effective length, and post-tensioning force are considered as three important factors, which affect the behavior of the structure equipped with isolation system. The tower top acceleration and displacement responses are evaluated and used to identify the optimal ranges of the above-mentioned design parameters. Accordingly, detailed finite element models are built in OpenSees environment in order to conduct non-linear time-history analyses under some near-fault ground motions. The results of the analyses show that the application of the isolation system may improve the displacement response of the tower, but it may cause an increase of the acceleration responses due to the impact of the isolators with their external boundary. In contrast, the addition of the tendon elements with proper characteristics improves the overall responses of the isolated towers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Discontinuous approaches to simulate the nonlinear dynamic behaviour of masonry towers. • Application of Non-Smooth Contact Dynamics (NSCD) method with LMGC90© code. • Application of Discrete Element Method (DEM) with 3DEC© code. • Evaluation of the response under repeated accelerograms (seismic sequence) • Comparison between coarse and very refined textures. The aim of this paper is to present the development of discontinuous approaches to simulate the nonlinear dynamic behaviour of the civic clock tower of Rotella, in the province of Ascoli Piceno (Italy). The study involves the use of the Non-Smooth Contact Dynamics method implemented in the LMGC90© code, where sliding motions are governed by Signorini's impenetrability condition and dry-friction Coulomb's law, and the Discrete Element Method with cohesive and tensional behaviours at the joints in the 3DEC© code. The tower was represented using three different geometric models ranged from the most complex one, including the full geometry and multi-leaf masonry walls, to the simplest one, including the single-leaf walls as a simplification of the real masonry. The numerical results highlighted the modes of failure depending on the shape, size and texture of the masonry and the modalities of progressive damage under dynamic actions. Moreover, both numerical approaches have proven to be capable of simulating large displacements and complete block separations, reproducing complex mechanical behaviours and making predictions on the vulnerability assessment of the historical masonry buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the possible application of the hybrid sliding rocking column as a supporting system of an elevated reservoir is investigated. In order to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed system, a comparative analysis is conducted on an elevated reservoir with other common supporting systems. To this purpose, a benchmark tank model with a normal circular column is considered and modelled in the OpenSees platform. Then, other supporting systems are replaced with the exciting normal column in order to investigate the structural responses. Non-linear time history analyses with eight far-field and near-fault earthquake ground motions are performed on the considered models. The results show that hybrid sliding rocking columns are more effective than other solutions in reducing the structural base shear, as well as its damage potential towards both far-field and near-fault earthquake records. • The possible application of hybrid sliding rocking column as a supporting system of an elevated reservoir is investigated. • A comparative analysis is conducted on an elevated reservoir with other common supporting systems. • A benchmark tank model with normal circular column is considered and modelled in OpenSees platform. • Non-linear time history analyses with several earthquake ground motions are performed on the considered models. • The effectiveness of the system in enhancing the structural performance under far-field and near-fault records is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]