Abstract
The results of a shake table study of the efficiency of a seismic base isolation using a layer of natural stone pebbles are presented. Models of stiff and medium‐stiff buildings were tested. Case studies were conducted with the foundation of model on the rigid base and on four different layers of pebbles (thin and thick layer with small and large pebbles). Four different horizontal accelerograms were applied, and the characteristic displacements, accelerations, and strains were measured. Strains/stresses of the tested models remained in the elastic area. It was concluded that the effectiveness of the stone pebble layer under the foundation, i.e., the reduction in the seismic forces and stresses in the structure compared to the classical solution of foundation, significantly depends on the type of the applied excitation and depends relatively little on the layer thickness and pebble fraction. The results of the study showed that a layer of pebbles can significantly reduce the peak acceleration and strains/stresses of the model, with acceptable displacements. Further research is expected to confirm the effectiveness of this low‐cost and low‐tech seismic base isolation and to pave the way to its practical application.
Highlights
Modern science in recent decades has explored numerous solutions to reduce the seismic forces on buildings, aiming to improve safety during earthquakes and to provide more rational solutions
It was concluded that the effectiveness of the stone pebble layer under the foundation, i.e., the reduction in the seismic forces and stresses in the structure compared to the classical solution of foundation, significantly depends on the type of the applied excitation and depends relatively little on the layer thickness and pebble fraction. e results of the study showed that a layer of pebbles can significantly reduce the peak acceleration and strains/stresses of the model, with acceptable displacements
Such a low-cost and lowtechnology method could be widely used in seismic isolation of low-rise buildings around the world. e research results of one such seismic isolation method are presented in this paper
Summary
Modern science in recent decades has explored numerous solutions to reduce the seismic forces on buildings, aiming to improve safety during earthquakes and to provide more rational solutions. Solutions involving the application of a layer of appropriate materials under the foundation to reduce seismic forces on buildings, which are expected to be efficient and rational for use in the so-called low-cost buildings, are the starting point of our study. Such a low-cost and lowtechnology method could be widely used in seismic isolation of low-rise buildings around the world. Is paper presents the results of a shake table study regarding the efficiency of seismic base isolation using natural stone pebbles below the foundation for the reduction in seismic forces on structures, with the aim that such a solution finds practical application in the construction of low-cost buildings and smaller bridges in seismically active regions. Further research on some important effects that were not considered in this study is required to achieve even more reliable conclusions regarding the efficiency and rationality of the considered concept of seismic isolation
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