Seismic Response of Pure-Friction Base Isolated Masonry Building with Restricted Base-Sliding

Abstract

The earthquake response of pure-friction base isolated masonry building with restricted base sliding is presented in this paper. A clear smoothened surface is created at the plinth level of the building above the damp-proof course, and the superstructure rests at this level to slide freely, except for the frictional resistance and the rigid stopper. As the superstructure is free to slide at the plinth level, there will be a feeling to the occupants that it might slide more than the permissible relative displacement limit provided at the top of the substructure. This may create a fear among the occupants that the building may overturn. In view of this, a mathematical model was developed for masonry building with restricted base sliding system using rigid stopper. Feasible position of the stopper has been determined such that the seismic response of the structure is reduced considerably in comparison with that of corresponding fixed base structure. Investigation was also made to determine the seismic response of the buildings with varying time period, mass ratio, coefficient of friction and damping coefficient subjected to Koyna and five other pseudo earthquakes. The pseudo earthquakes were generated either by increasing or decreasing the ground acceleration and duration of the Koyna accelerogram. It turns out from the present study that the pure-friction isolated restricted base sliding system is effective in reducing the seismic force acting on the masonry building with low value of coefficient of friction.