Abstract: | A complex response algorithm for the dynamic analysis of axisymmetric thin shells supported on an interactive foundation is developed. The substructure deletion method is employed through the utilization of a dynamic boundary system at the contact area between the superstructure and the substructure. A new mathematical formulation in conjunction with the shell behaviour is developed to deal with rigid body motions due to the negation of the fixed base assumption. Four foundation conditions, that is, a fixed base, two pile foundation cases and a flexible base, are to examine the effect of base flexibility on the seismic response of cooling towers. Also, excellent comparative results between the frequency domain solution and a time domain solution are obtained. |