Study on Seismic Response Characteristics and Design Parameters of Composite Isolation System for Rural Buildings

Abstract

The seismic capacity of rural buildings is low and effective execution of the traditional seismic measures is difficult. Therefore, a new type of composite isolation system, which is suitable for rural buildings in frozen earth regions, is proposed in this work. The design parameters and dynamic response characteristics of this system under rare earthquakes were investigated via systematic dynamic elastic-plastic time-history analyses performed on four different types of models. These models were established by the finite element software ABAQUS, and a composite isolation structure, sliding isolation structure, sand cushion isolation structure, and traditional masonry structure were considered. Afterward, the seismic response characteristics and design parameters of the composite isolation system were obtained by comparing the dynamic response analysis results (acceleration, displacement, and bottom shearing force) of each model. The best isolation effect was realized for the composite isolation system, where the seismic energy can be effectively absorbed and the impact of frost heaving on buildings can be eliminated. Furthermore, this effect will improve with decreasing friction coefficient of the sliding layer and increasing seismic intensity. Based on the preset isolation rate of 40%, the design values of the friction coefficient were determined to be 0.1–0.35, which are appropriate for high-seismic-intensity regions.