ABSTRACT
The rocking response of rigid blocks with aspect ratios of 3 and 5 was investigated, with particular focus on the possible effects of interface material. The blocks were allowed to rock on timber, steel, reinforced concrete, and rubber bases. Preliminary results showed that the interface material exerted a significant influence on the rocking response. Blocks tested on a rubber base exhibited the lowest coefficient of restitution, followed by steel, timber, and concrete. 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 due to inaccuracy in estimating the coefficient of restitution. In the case of blocks having an aspect ratio of 5, the measured coefficients of restitution were approximately 0.95 and 0.67 of the predicted values for concrete and rubber bases, respectively. In the case of blocks having an aspect ratio of 3, the measured coefficients of restitution were approximately 0.97 of the predicted values for concrete bases.
