Seismic Analysis and Comparison of Different Base Isolation Systems for a Multi-Storey RC Building with Irregularities in Plan

Abstract

In the present paper the dynamic nonlinear analysis for a 3D base isolated structure is illustrated. A base isolated reinforced concrete building is designed and verified according to the European seismic codes such that the superstructure remains almost completely elastic and the nonlinear elements are localized only in the base isolation system. Nonlinear hysteretic models have been adopted to reproduce the cyclic behavior of the isolators. Two different base isolation systems are considered and their performances are compared for evaluating the behaviour of a base isolated building, highly irregular in plan, in presence of a seismic excitation defined with recorded accelerograms which characterize the bi-directional ground motions. The isolation system has been realized with a combination in parallel of elastomeric bearings and sliding devices. In the first analyzed isolation system we have used the High Damping Rubber Bearings (HDRB) and in the second analyzed isolation system we have used the Lead Rubber Bearings (LRB). Finally a comparative analysis between the base isolated structure with hybrid base isolation systems and the conventional fixed base structure is detailed.