Seismic Response of Base-Isolated Structures with LRB and FPS under near Fault Ground Motions

Abstract

Seismic response of structures in the vicinity of causative earthquake faults can be significantly different than those observed further away from the seismic source. In the near fault zone, ground motions are significantly influenced by the rupture mechanism and slip direction relative to the site and by the permanent ground displacement at the site resulting from tectonic movement. Forward directivity and fling effects have been identified by the seismologists as the primary characteristics of near fault ground motions. Because of the unique characteristics of the near-fault ground motions and their potential to cause severe damage to structures designed to comply with the criteria mostly based on far-field earthquakes, the estimation of seismic response of base-isolated structures for a project site close to an active fault should account for these special aspects of near fault ground motions. This paper investigates the seismic response of base-isolated structures with LRB and FPS isolators under near fault ground motions. A seismic evaluation of the building, isolated with the LRB and FPS, is performed using a nonlinear three-dimensional analytical model. The parametric study is concentrated on base shear, accelerations and displacements of isolated models. Large displacement and velocity pulses in records of near fault ground motions can significantly change the results of seismic response of base-isolated structures.