Seismic Isolation Systems
The basic objective with seismic isolation is to introduce horizontally
flexible components but vertically stiff components at the base of a
building to substantially uncouple the superstructure from high-
frequency earthquake shaking.
[Link]
Seismic Isolation Systems
The basic objective with seismic isolation is to introduce horizontally
flexible components but vertically stiff components at the base of a
building to substantially uncouple the superstructure from high-
frequency earthquake shaking.
Foothill Law and Justice
Center, Southern
California, the first
seismically isolated
building in the United
States. This building was
isolated on high-damping
rubber bearings in the
1980s.
Seismic Isolation Systems, Cont’d
Rubber (Elastomeric) Bearing tested at the University at Buffalo by Prof. Michel Constantinou,
prior to installation at Sakhalin I Orlan offshore platform, Russia.
Lead-Rubber Bearing Cross section Erzurum Hospital, Turkey (2007)
Seismic Isolation Systems, Cont’d
San Francisco City Hall
• Constructed in 1915
• The five-story building with its
dome rising 300 ft. ( 91.5 m)
above the ground
• The ground floor is 300 408 ft.
[Link] (91.5 124 m)
Structural System
• Steel frame and concrete slabs
• Unreinforced brick masonry wall integral with granite cladding,
hollow clay tile infill walls, and limestone or marble panels
• Substantial damage from 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake
• Retrofitted with 530 isolators [each 21-in (53 mm) high, 31-36 in.
(80-90 mm) diameter]
Seismic Isolation Systems, Cont’d
[Link]
San Francisco City Hall
[Link]
[Link]
A Video Presentation from DSI
DSI: [Link] Video Source: [Link]
A Video Presentation from DSI
DSI: [Link] Video Source: [Link]
A Video Presentation from DSI
DSI: [Link] Video Source: [Link]
A Video Presentation from DSI
DSI: [Link] Video Source: [Link]
A Video Presentation from DSI
DSI: [Link] Video Source: [Link]
A Video Presentation from DSI
DSI: [Link] Video Source: [Link]
Application of Seismic Isolation
Application of Seismic Isolation
Application of Seismic Isolation
Application of Seismic Isolation
Application of Seismic Isolation
Application of Seismic Isolation
Application of Seismic Isolation
Application of Seismic Isolation
Principles of Seismic Isolation
The benefits of adding a horizontally compliant system at the
foundation level of a building can be seen below using an
“acceleration response spectrum”.
What is the effect of
period shifting?
Is the effect on non-
structural components
in the building
beneficial?
Seismic Isolation Systems, Cont’d
San Francisco City Hall
• Constructed in 1915
• The five-story building with its
dome rising 300 ft. above the
ground
• The ground floor is 300 408 ft.
[Link]
Structural System
• The fixed-base fundamental period is approximately 0.9 sec
• The isolated building is estimated to move 18 to 26 in. (457 –
660 mm) at an isolation fundamental period of 2.5 sec
• Design earthquake with PGA of 0.4g
Seismic Isolation, Cont’d
What is the effect on the displacement response of the structure?
Consider the “displacement spectrum” below.
Does the increase
in displacement
response lead to
more damage in
the building
superstructure?
For an isolated period of 3 seconds and 5% damping, the expected
displacement response of the isolated building is between 50-60 in.
(1.3 – 1.5 m)
Seismic Isolation, Cont’d
Displacement of isolated structure:
• Most of the displacement in an isolated building occurs over the
height of the isolators and there is generally little deformation in
the superstructure.
• Add energy dissipation or damping in the isolation system to
reduce displacements.
• Isolators must be
designed to support
gravity (and earthquake-
induced) loads AND
accommodate large
lateral displacements.
Friction Pendulum
Another type of isolation system uses sliding elements between the
foundation and the base of the structure.
© manishkumar, UB
The shear force transmitted to the structure across the isolation
interface is limited by keeping the coefficient of friction small enough,
but yet enough to sustain strong winds and small earthquakes.
A Simulation from EPS
EPS (Earthquake Protection Systems): [Link]
San Francisco Airport
EPS
Friction Pendulum Testing
NEES at UB NEES at UB
Friction Pendulum Testing, Cont’d