A composite building isolation system for earthquake protection

Abstract

The main point of this paper is to study a new hybrid composite isolation system for the protection of structures against earthquakes. ANSYS simulation software was used for modelling and analysis. A 40-storey building with multiple degrees of freedom has been studied under seismic waves. In this study, a 40-storey structure was chosen to be retrofitted with the proposed hybrid isolation system and analysed. The building’s width and height are 40 m and 160 m, respectively. In addition, the stiffness is linearly distributed. The building is studied under two different boundary conditions. In Case I, the base of the building is rigidly attached to the ground while it is retrofitted with the proposed hybrid isolation system in Case II. Two cases were considered including a rigidly supported one and another isolated one. The results show a noticeable reduction in displacement, velocity and acceleration of the stories. Based on results, displacement, velocity and acceleration of the stories remarkably reduced while the stiffness of the structure increased. In addition, the isolated case is preferred to be utilized in structure because it prevents the structure from severe damages.