Assessing the three-dimensional seismic behavior of the multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) structure with LCRB and LRB control systems

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate the dynamic behavior of isolated structures with lead core rubber bearing (LCRB) and laminated rubber bearing (LRB) isolators under the influence of different earthquakes. First, a three-dimensional finite element model of the seismic isolator was created and analyzed using ABAQUS software based on a developed model. The hyper-viscoelastic properties were used for rubber layers in this modeling. Then, a 5-story base-isolated building on a laboratory scale was modeled on a well-verified isolator, which was once with core (LCRB) and then without the core (LRB). In this study, the isolation system was analyzed by dynamic explicit approach in ABAQUS and the behavior of the considered isolated building has been studied when subjected to Kobe, Northridge, and El Centro earthquakes. Finally, it was found that LCRB has a significant effect on reducing the amount of displacement and acceleration in the upper floors. However, it should be noted that the responses of the base-isolated building may unexpectedly appear reversely in some earthquakes and increase the responses.