Base-isolated Structures Research Articles

Real-time hybrid simulation using analogue electronic computer technology

In the field of structural dynamics, real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) continues to receive increased interest from researchers conducting component testing incorporating system-level behaviour. Increased digital computing power has allowed advances in RTHS. However, limitations in RTHS will persist due to the effects of discrete errors caused by quantisation and corresponding numerical integration time step limitations, which can limit the bandwidth and nonlinearities of the system studied. In this paper, an analogue electronic computer is constructed to conduct RTHS of a modelled base-isolated structure with a physically tested viscous damping device. The analogue computer models a two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) structure and solves the equations of motion required in RTHS testing. Results of the RTHS tests using the analogue computer are compared to RTHS tests implemented with a digital computer in order to validate the proposed analogue RTHS method. Further applications of RTHS testing with analogue computing including high-frequency dynamic testing are discussed.

Seismic performance of double skin semi-base-isolated structures

Base isolation technology is a popular and powerful isolation technology. This technique can greatly reduce the seismic response of the structure, so as to reduce the damage to the structure. Base isolation method decouples the superstructure from the base by installing a flexible layer under each column to reduce dynamic response in the earthquake and elongate the time period of structures due to its inherent flexibility. However, the long time period causes large displacement. In addition, base isolation devices are highly vulnerable due to uplift forces produced by lateral force resisting systems (LFRS). In this study, an adjustable structure with a new configuration, namely double skin semi-base-isolated (SBI) structure is presented to solve the above problems. The LFRS is omitted in the proposed SBI structure and the time period and displacement are reduced compared to the conventional base-isolated structure. The forcedeformation behavior of an isolator is modeled as bi-linear hysteretic behavior which can be effectively used to model all isolation system in practice. This study investigates the seismic performance of 10-story double skin SBI reinforced concrete (RC) structure under far-fault earthquake ground motion by numerical method. Results demonstrate that the SBI system is significantly adjustable with the use of RC coupling beams between the inner core and outer frames. By increasing or reducing the number of connected floors in the SBI system, dynamic behaviors of the SBI system can be changed. The adjusted structure can be created by adding and removing RC coupling beams at every arbitrary floor level.

Real-time hybrid simulation using analogue electronic computer technology

In the field of structural dynamics, real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) continues to receive increased interest from researchers conducting component testing incorporating system-level behaviour. Increased digital computing power has allowed advances in RTHS. However, limitations in RTHS will persist due to the effects of discrete errors caused by quantisation and corresponding numerical integration time step limitations, which can limit the bandwidth and nonlinearities of the system studied. In this paper, an analogue electronic computer is constructed to conduct RTHS of a modelled base-isolated structure with a physically tested viscous damping device. The analogue computer models a two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) structure and solves the equations of motion required in RTHS testing. Results of the RTHS tests using the analogue computer are compared to RTHS tests implemented with a digital computer in order to validate the proposed analogue RTHS method. Further applications of RTHS testing with analogue computing including high-frequency dynamic testing are discussed.

Hybrid Passive Control Strategies for Reducing the Displacements at the Base of Seismic Isolated Structures

In this paper, the use of hybrid passive control strategies to mitigate the seismic response of a base-isolated structure is examined. The control performance of three different types of devices used for reducing base displacements of isolated buildings is investigated. Specifically, the Tuned Mass Damper (TMD), the New Tuned Mass Damper (New TMD) and the Tuned Liquid Column Damper (TLCD), each one associated to a Base Isolated structure (BI), have been considered. The seismic induced vibration control of base-isolated structures equipped with the TMD, New TMD or the TLCD is examined and compared with that of the base-isolated system without devices, using real recorded seismic signals as external input. Data show that the New TMD is the most effective in controlling the response of base-isolated structures so that it can be considered as a practical and appealing means to mitigate the dynamic response of base-isolated structures.

Experimental realisation of the real‐time controlled smart magnetorheological elastomer seismic isolation system with shake table

Traditional base isolation protects structures against severe seismic events by providing a designated lateral flexibility at the base level of the structures. Due to its inherent passive nature, in the design process, compromises have to be made among performance of different design targets (displacements, interstorey drifts, accelerations, etc.). In addition, as the working principle, the effectiveness of a base isolation relies on the degree of “decoupling” between ground excitation and superstructure. However, a higher degree of decoupling compromises the stability of the structures. In other words, for a base solation system, it possesses inherent conflicts between the effectiveness of the isolation and the lateral stability of the structure. A concept of new smart base isolation system is proposed, in which real-time controllable decoupling for a base isolation structure is achieved by employing magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) base isolators. With controllable lateral stiffness, the smart base isolation system can achieve an optimal decoupling by instantly shifting the structure's natural frequencies to a nonresonant region. This paper aims at experimentally proving and validating this innovative concept, including designing a three-storey shear building model equipped with MRE base isolators, demonstrating the feasibility and evaluating the performance of the proposed system by a series of shake table testing. The comprehensive experimental design and results of shake table testing have concept-proved the proposed smart MRE base isolation system for future development in practical applications.

Effects of soil-structure interaction on base-isolated structures

Structural integrity and seismic protection of the buildings against earthquake have been challenging among structural engineers. Many studies have been devoted to development of seismic isolators to improve the seismic behavior of civil structures. This study presents the analysis of building structures with SAP2000 considering soil structure interaction and base isolation effects under El Centro. Four different models are analyzed including fixed base structure, base isolated structure, frame supported by spring representing the soil and structure with combined base isolation and spring. The seismic results are investigated in terms of displacement, shear force, axial force, moment and drift of the columns and beams. It was observed that the soil structure interaction provides some flexibility to the structure by increasing the displacements of the structure and imposing internal forces variation to the system. Therefore, modeling base isolation together with consideration of soil structure interaction leads to better prediction of structural response.

Evaluation of the dynamic response of structures using auxetic-type base isolation

Base isolation is a widely-used method used to minimise the harmful effects of earthquakes on buildings. Unlike a fixed base building, a building with a base isolation system essentially decouples the superstructure from the substructure resting on the ground. Then, during earthquakes, the superstructure’s relative displacement is significantly reduced, minimising the structural damage. Auxetics, which are materials with a negative Poisson’s ratio, are known for possessing properties such as high energy absorption. Based on the energy absorbing capabilities of auxetic materials, it is proposed that incorporating them into base isolation structures would positively impact on the performance of the system. Therefore, the article aims to investigate the response of structures under seismic loading incorporating re-entrant hexagon layers into the base isolation system. This is assessed by defining and numerically testing the system using finite element analysis. The models developed for this study represent multi-storey structural steel frames combined with fixed base, conventional lead-rubber bearing and auxetic composite base isolation. Differences in the response obtained from the mentioned systems are highlighted. Results indicate that the auxetic base isolation may improve the dynamic response of structures, although a unique performance is not recorded.

Dynamic responses of base-isolated concrete liquid storage structure under two types of resonances

One important characteristic of base-isolated liquid storage structure (LSS) is that the vibration periods of structure and liquid are different, namely, there are two kinds of periods in the system. As a result, structure or liquid resonance may occurs under external excitation. In order to reflect the nonlinear characteristics of liquid sloshing, subsonic potential-based element is used to simulate the liquid. The governing equations of liquid field and fluid-structure interaction (FSI) equations are established; the initial and boundary conditions of liquid sloshing in dynamic coordinate system are obtained. Harmonic functions used to conduct time history analysis are generated by the first order vibration frequencies of structure and liquid respectively. The dynamic responses of base-isolated rectangular liquid storage structure (RLSS) under two types of resonance are studied comparatively. Results show that when the external excitation frequency is equal to the first order vibration frequency of isolated structure or liquid sloshing, wall tensile stress, structure displacement, base shear force and liquid sloshing wave height will appear resonance amplification phenomenon. The dynamic responses of structure itself caused by structure resonance are greater than that of liquid resonance; while the liquid sloshing wave height caused by liquid resonance is greater than that of structure resonance. Under structure resonance, the wall is prone to be cracked; and under liquid resonance, the liquid velocity field will become unusually violent, and liquid overflow will be caused easily.

The Structural Performance Analysis of Base-Isolated Hospital Buildings with Analysis Modal (Case Study: General Hospital in Labuhan Batu Utara Regency Area)

The development of earthquake analysis towards structures is required to prevent damages and loss in buildings due to earthquakes. The base isolation system is a simple design approach for earthquake-resistant buildings to protect the structures and components from the risk of earthquake damages by using the concept of reducing earthquake forces. This research aims to analyze the performance of a general hospital building in Labura Regency area in order to know the safety of the building in terms of period, frequency, base shear force, displacement and earthquake force, used the base isolators and without the base isolators. The method used is response-spectrum dynamic analysis by ETABS v2016 program. From the calculation of structural analysis, the application of base isolation is able to build up the period of the structure, therefore, the maximum acceleration of earthquakes can be reduced at certain period. There is an average increase by 48.21% of the structural period compared to non-isolated base structure, and the frequency that occurs in structures using base isolators is smaller than without base isolators. The friction force obtained is smaller compared to the structures without dampers. Base-isolated building structures observed have bigger displacement than non-base isolated structures. The average rise of the building displacement is 27.14% at x and 2.74% at y directions. In base-isolated structures, earthquake forces are reduced averagely by 57.51% at x and 82.73% at y directions. The analysis of structural performance, General Hospital in Labura Regency is categorized to Immediate Occupancy (IO) in which the building structures are safe with no significant risk of fatalities due to structural failures, there are no any significant damages and the building can be used and functioned/operated again immediately.

Overview of Preventive Conservation Research Work on Seismic Mitigation and Subway Vibration Control in Chengdu Museum of China

ABSTRACTThe 2008 Wenchuan earthquake brought numerous issues to the attention of researchers of seismic mitigation in Chinese museums. After the Wenchuan earthquake, the structural design team of Chengdu Museum conducted a series of research projects on seismic mitigation and subway vibration control design of buildings. These projects included the following topics: optimization of design, numerical simulation of seismic performance, analysis of key technologies for the base isolation structure, in-depth studies on structural vibrations caused by the nearby subway, and proposals for reducing structural vibrations. In 2015, after the superstructure of Chengdu Museum was completed, conservators evaluated the safety of permanent exhibitions under earthquake conditions. Seismic protection devices were installed on the showcases according to the preventive conservation requirements for museum collections. Reinforced measures were used for museum collections according to the methods suggested in the document ‘Specification for seismic protection of museum collection’ (WW/T 0069-2015). The conservators also built a systematic platform for earthquake monitoring for museum collections. Preventive conservation studies on seismic protection and subway vibration control in Chengdu Museum are summarized and forecasted.

Research on the Vibration Control Effect of High-Rise isolation system combined with damping device under Strong ground motions

Considering large deformation of the upper structure for base isolation structure and easily overturned whole structure under strong ground motion, the characteristics of earthquake control and seismic response of a high-rise base isolation structure with viscous dampers are studied in this paper. At first, the motion equation of high-rise base isolation structure and high-rise combined control system is established based on the calculation model of multi-degree of freedom system with lumped masses of isolation structure; Then, the state space method and variable order numerical differential algorithm are used to calculate the seismic response of the structure; Finally, the ordinary ground motion records and near-source pulse-like ground motion records are selected as input, and the seismic response of high-rise base isolation structure and high-rise combined control system are calculated, furthermore, its characteristics of seismic response and control effect are compared. The results show that the high-rise base isolation structure with viscous dampers can reduce the structural displacement response significantly, and the displacement demand of isolation bearing can be reduced dramatically too. it is an effective way to develop the new type bearing with low yield stiffness, large deformation and a high tensile strength to solve these questions of base isolation technology in high-rise structure applications.

Adaptive control for smart-actuated base isolation structures regarding various reference-tracking strategies

An adaptive control framework considering servo-hydraulic dynamics is proposed for base isolation structures regarding various reference-tracking strategies. The reference-tracking-based adaptive controller is derived from a backstepping design methodology with Lyapunov stability analysis. Servo-hydraulic dynamics, including the control-structure interaction (CSI) and the actuator uncertainties, have significant effects on seismic control performance; accordingly, the critical issue of the control device dynamics-induced time-lag should be introduced in the control process. To drive a successful active control event, an inverse actuator model is integrated within the proposed controller. Such inverse dynamic models, with adaptive regulation characteristics, are expected to compensate the time-lag real-time. On the other hand, for a reference-tracking-based controller, control performance is determined by a reference model. Therefore, different reference generation strategies have been discussed in a comparative study by considering the effect of structure nonlinearity and substructure-interaction. To investigate the performance of the proposed controller in detail, the first example is a nonlinear single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system. Then, a multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) system with a nonlinear base isolation layer is employed in a comparative study with various reference-tracking strategies. Subsequently, the proposed control framework has been performed in a nonlinear base isolation benchmark problem; and, the control performance demonstrates the efficacy of the reference-tracking controller in a two-dimensional actuator control problem.

A direct displacement-based design procedure for base-isolated building structures with lead rubber bearings (LRBs)

This paper proposes a direct-displacement based design (DDBD) procedure, to make base-isolated building structure with lead-rubber bearing (LRBs) satisfy the performance objectives prescribed by displacement thresholds. To this end, the DDBD for regular building structures is incorporated with the two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) model of base-isolated building structures. Fundamentals of the standard DDBD procedure is briefed at first. The equivalent linearized 2DOF model of a base-isolated building structure is then detailed. Modal analysis and response spectrum analysis of this 2DOF model has been carried out, which suggests a simplistic and readily-invertible closed-form relationship from structural characteristics to seismic displacements. Given the displacement requirements, the relationship facilitates the solution of the structural parameters of the base-isolated building structure. Following the basic steps of DDBD but utilizing this 2DOF model as the substitute for the original nonlinear structural model, an alternative DDBD procedure is then developed and detailed. This DDBD procedure is verified by numerical examples, in which the nonlinear time-history analysis of the designed structures yields seismic displacement results matching the preset target thresholds well. The design solutions of the proposed procedure are also compared with those given by an existing one. Numerical results indicate that the proposed DDBD procedure is reliable, straightforward, and convenient for the seismic design of base-isolated building structures with LRBs.

A combined control strategy using tuned liquid dampers to reduce displacement demands of base-isolated structures: a probabilistic approach

This paper investigates a hybrid structural control system using tuned liquid dampers (TLDs) and lead-rubber bearing (LRB) systems for mitigating earthquake-induced vibrations. Furthermore, a new approach for taking into account the uncertainties associated with the steel shear buildings is proposed. In the proposed approach, the probabilistic distributions of the stiffness and yield properties of stories of a set of reference steel moment frame structures are derived through Monte-Carlo sampling. The approach is applied to steel shear buildings isolated with LRB systems. The base isolation systems are designed for different target base displacements by minimizing a relative performance index using Genetic Algorithm. Thereafter, the base-isolated structures are equipped with TLDs and a combination of the base and TLD properties is sought by which the maximum reduction occurs in the base displacement without compromising the performance of the system. In addition, the effects of TLD properties on the performance of the system are studied through a parametric study. Based on the analyses results, the base displacement can be reduced 23% by average, however, the maximum reduction can go beyond 30%.

Reliability-based design of steel moment frame structures isolated by lead-rubber bearing systems

This paper puts forward a reliability-based approach to seismic design of steel moment frame structures isolated with lead-rubber bearing (LRB) devices. The system is modeled as an equivalent two-degree-of-freedom system in which the superstructure is assumed to remain elastic, while a bilinear behavior is assigned to the isolation level. Furthermore, the uncertainties associated with the superstructure properties including mass and stiffness are taken into account by adopting appropriate probability density functions. To design the base-isolated structure, the paper proposes “reliability curves” that given a target reliability, return the two key design parameters: the natural period of the super-structure and the target base displacement. Given these two key parameters, the paper proposes a regression equation that predicts the optimal design variables of the base-isolation system, i.e., the initial stiffness and the yield force. This equation is calibrated against a set of optimally-designed base-isolated systems using the genetic algorithm. The proposed approach is showcased for an example steel moment frame structure located in Los Angeles, California.

An Empirical Formulation for the Damping Ratio of Shape Memory Alloy for Base-Isolated Structures

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are now widely used as a damping element into the isolation systems. The pre-stressed SMAs exhibit hysteretic damping through a nonlinear flag-shaped hysteresis loop. Many nonlinear models of the SMA are available to depict such behavior. The nonlinear models require a lot of effort and computational time for the analysis of base-isolated structures. Therefore, the codes recommend that a nonlinear model can be replaced by an equivalent linear model in the analysis. Linearization is a method to convert the nonlinearity of a system into a system with analogues linear parameters. This paper proposes an empirical equation for a damping ratio to get a linear damping coefficient of the SMAs which can be used in the seismic analysis of base-isolated structures. The evaluation of any damping ratio using the traditional system identification method does not give precise solutions due to variation in hysteretic parameters and the unpredictable nature of an earthquake. The empirical equation is proposed using a set of optimal statistical data obtained from the seismic analysis of a base isolated structure. Moreover, analysis of the base isolated structure using the newly modified equivalent elastic-viscous SMA model gives comparable and conservative results with a nonlinear SMA model as compared to the existing elastic-viscous SMA model. Since the hysteresis parameters are used to derive the empirical equation for the damping ratio, this equation is also applicable for any type of structure.

Sensitivity Analysis on Optimal PID Controller for Nonlinear Smart Base-Isolated Structures

This paper presents a sensitivity analysis on the performance of optimal proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller for use in nonlinear smart base-isolated structures with uncertainties. A set of nine performance indices is defined to evaluate the performance of the controller in the presence of uncertainties in the superstructure, lead rubber bearing (LRB) seismic isolation system, and applied loads. The time delay effect on the stability and performance of the PID controller is also examined. The results show that the PID controller is robust against the uncertainties up to [Formula: see text]% in the damping and stiffness coefficients of the superstructure, the yield force of the LRB and the artificial earthquake. In the case with [Formula: see text]% of uncertainty, the input energy entering into the structure is increased with respect to the nominal model. However, the changes of the performance indices related to the damage energies are negligible. An uncertainty of [Formula: see text]20% in the stiffness coefficient and stiffness ratio of the LRB gives an increase of 15% in the maximum and root mean square (RMS) of the structural responses. In the case with [Formula: see text]20% of uncertainty, the damage and damping energies do not change in comparison with the case of the nominal model, but a significant decay in the performance index related to the input energy response is obtained in this case. Not all performance indices are sensitive to time delay. For large time delays, the performance index for the seismic input energy increases significantly, while the maximum damage and damping energies increase up to 5% and 10%, respectively.

Hybrid seismic base isolation of a historical masonry church using unbonded fiber reinforced elastomeric isolators and shape memory alloy wires

One of the most promising devices for seismic base isolation of structures is the Unbonded Fiber Reinforced Elastomeric Isolator (UFREI) due to its low manufacturing cost and horizontal stiffness. This paper investigates the possibility of combining UFREIs and shape memory alloy (SMA) wires to increase the energy dissipation capacity of the isolation system for the seismic protection of a historical masonry church. Detailed 3D finite element (FE) analyses are performed to characterize the response of UFREIs under cyclic displacements. The behavior of SMA is simulated through a thermomechanical constitutive model implemented in a user-defined material (UMAT) subroutine available in the software package Abaqus. To reduce the computational effort in non-linear dynamic analyses of large isolated structures, an Abaqus user element (UEL) is developed to represent the 3D behavior of the isolation system proposed in this study. Non-linear dynamic time history analyses are then carried out to evaluate the seismic response of a historical masonry church in different configurations (fixed-base model and model equipped with different base isolation systems) for moderate and severe seismic intensity levels. Numerical results show that the damage observed in the masonry church can be considerably reduced through the insertion of UFREIs. The utilization of SMA wires with a specific pre-strain significantly increases the energy dissipation capacity of the base isolation system and decreases the horizontal displacements of the masonry church.

Identifying significant earthquake intensity measures for evaluating seismic damage and fragility of nuclear power plant structures

Abstract Seismic design practices and seismic response analyses of civil structures and nuclear power plants (NPPs) have conventionally used the peak ground acceleration (PGA) or spectral acceleration (Sa) as an intensity measure (IM) of an earthquake. However, there are many other earthquake IMs that were proposed by various researchers. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between seismic responses of NPP components and 23 earthquake IMs and identify the best IMs for correlating with damage of NPP structures. Particularly, low- and high-frequency ground motion records are separately accounted in correlation analyses. An advanced power reactor NPP in Korea, APR1400, is selected for numerical analyses where containment and auxiliary buildings are modeled using SAP2000. Floor displacements and accelerations are monitored for the non- and base-isolated NPP structures while shear deformations of the base isolator are additionally monitored for the base-isolated NPP. A series of Pearson's correlation coefficients are calculated to recognize the correlation between each of the 23 earthquake IMs and responses of NPP structures. The numerical results demonstrate that there is a significant difference in the correlation between earthquake IMs and seismic responses of non-isolated NPP structures considering low- and high-frequency ground motion groups. Meanwhile, a trivial discrepancy of the correlation is observed in the case of the base-isolated NPP subjected to the two groups of ground motions. Moreover, a selection of PGA or Sa for seismic response analyses of NPP structures in the high-frequency seismic regions may not be the best option. Additionally, a set of fragility curves are thereafter developed for the base-isolated NPP based on the shear deformation of lead rubber bearing (LRB) with respect to the strongly correlated IMs. The results reveal that the probability of damage to the structure is higher for low-frequency earthquakes compared with that of high-frequency ground motions.

A New Damage Index for Isolated Structures

Damage indices based on structural dynamic characteristics are often used to detect damage in the structures. In this study, a new index for identifying damages in base-isolated structures is proposed using the frequency response function (FRF). Since calculation of the FRF data is time- and memory-consuming for problems of large size, the two-dimensional principal component analysis technique is employed to decrease the data size. The damage indices calculated, representing the health state of the structure, are stored in a database, which are then used to detect the damage location and severity by utilizing the lookup table method. The proposed damage detection method is applied to four concrete frame models, one of which is fixed at the base and the others are isolated by elastomeric bearings. The FRF data are polluted with three different noise values (5%, 10% and 15%) in order to evaluate the uncertainty of measurements. The accuracy of the proposed indices is compared with each other for various parameters such as noise values, bearings characteristics, base conditions and different damage scenarios. The results show the precision of the proposed method.