Simplified Method for the Seismic Design of Low-Rise, Shear Wall Base- Isolated Buildings

Arturo Tena-Colunga

doi:10.2174/1874836801408010022

Abstract

A simplified method for the seismic design of low-rise, base-isolated shear wall structures is proposed in MOC-2012. This simplified method is basically a hybrid method, where the design of the isolation system is a simpler version for the static method available in US guidelines for the design of base-isolated structures and the design of the superstructure essentially is an improved version of the simplified method for the seismic design of conventional low-rise shear wall structures of Mexican seismic codes. The application of this method and its effectiveness to obtain safe designs is illustrated with a practical example. It is anticipated this simple methodology would help promote the use of base isolation in low-rise shear wall structures and reduce their vulnerability when subjected to strong earthquakes.

Highlights

The Manual of Civil Structures (MOC), one of the model design codes in Mexico, was updated
A simplified method for the seismic design of low-rise, base-isolated shear wall structures proposed in the model code MOC-2012 of Mexico was presented
The spirit behind this simple method is to help promote the application of base-isolation in regular and squatty shear wall structures in Mexico by facilitating their seismic design process

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The Manual of Civil Structures (MOC), one of the model design codes in Mexico, was updated. There is one new chapter in MOC-2012 devoted to the seismic design of base-isolated structures [4], the philosophy of which is presented in detail in [5]. Among the innovations of these base-isolation guidelines is that a simplified method of seismic analysis is allowed for the design of low-rise, shear-wall base-isolated structures. This method is hybrid in nature, as briefly mentioned before. The purpose of allowing such method for design purposes is to favor the application of base-isolation in regular and squatty shear wall structures by reducing its complexity. A design example is provided to illustrate the application of the method and its effectiveness to lead to safe structural designs

SIMPLIFIED METHOD

The isolation system meets the following criteria

DESIGN EXAMPLE

Design of the Isolation System

Findings

CONCLUDING REMARKS