Fundamental Study on Overturning Limit of Rigid Bodies

Overturning limit of rigid bodies is examined through shaking table tests and analyses using a Distinct Element Method (DEM). In this study, one simple model, one asymmetric model and three types of double models are used. In the experiments, the displacemant of the models is measured using image data processing. It is concluded that the limit acceleration for overturning of a rigid body which does not depend on conditions of input motions should be given by a static overturning acceleration of the model. And the limit acceleration of double rigid bodies can be also expressed by the static overturning acceleration of either the upper body or the united body which has a smaller ratio of width to height (b/h).