“SEISMIC ISOLATION”

Presented by:
CONTENTS
 Seismic Isolation
 Concept of Seismic Isolation
 Seismic Isolation Systems
 Position of Seismic Isolation System
 Displacement of Isolation System
 Seismic Isolation Protection against Vertical Quake
Motion.
 Fire Precautions and Maintenance
 Cost of Seismic Isolation
 Merits of Seismic Isolation System
 Difference between Seismic Isolated and Earthquake
Resistant Buildings
CONTENTS
 Types of Seismic Isolation Bearings
 Dampers
 Analysis of Seismic Isolated Buildings
 Application
 Conclusion
 SEISMIC ISOLATION
 Presently, the seismic isolation of buildings and
structures from ground motions is already a well-
known method.

 During the earthquake it provides a high reliability

and protection from damages than an earthquake
resistant system.

 Seismic isolation technology allows converting weak

and vulnerable buildings to practically earthquake
resilient buildings by reducing the transfer of the
ground motion effect to the building without
interruption of the functional operations of it.
 SEISMIC ISOLATION
 The purpose of this presentation is to provide a
brief overview of the seismic isolation technology
that is rapidly becoming more prevalent in the
seismic design of building structures

 Provide guidance for the consideration and

evaluation of the use of this system in selected
buildings.

 This technology involves the use of special details

or specific devices to alter or control the dynamic
behavior of buildings.
 SEISMIC ISOLATION
 Seismic isolation (commonly referred to as base isolation is
a variable design strategy that has been used for seismic
rehabilitation of existing buildings and in the design of a
number of new buildings.

 In general seismic isolation is applicable to design and

rehabilitation of buildings whose owners desire superior
earthquake performance and can afford the special costs
associated with the design, fabrication, and installation of
seismic isolators

 The concepts are relatively new and sophisticated, and

require more extensive design and detailed analysis than do
most conventional schemes
 SEISMIC ISOLATION
 In some cases, application of base isolation can raise both a
structure's seismic performance and its seismic
sustainability considerably. Contrary to popular belief base
isolation does not make a building earthquake proof.

 The first evidence of architects using the principle of base

isolation for earthquake protection was discovered
in Pasargadae, a city in ancient Persia, now Iran it goes back
to 6th century BC. It works by having a wide and deep stone
and mortar foundation, smoothed at the top, upon which a
second foundation is built of wide, smoothed stones which
are linked together, forming a plate that slides back and
forth over the lower foundation in case of an earthquake,
leaving the structure intact.
TOMB OF CYRUS
(Oldest Base Isolated Structure in the World)
 CONCEPT OF SEISMIC ISOLATION
 The basic concept of Seismic Isolation is
simply the reduction of the effect of
earthquake on the building. This can be
achieved by lengthening the period of the
building and increasing the damping ratio

 In other words, the theory of seismic (or

base) isolation engineering rested on two
pillars: heavy damping and frequency
separation
 CONCEPT OF SEISMIC ISOLATION
 This slide shows typical acceleration design response spectra
for three different damping levels. The major effect of seismic
isolation is to increase the natural period which reduces the
acceleration and thus force demand on the structure.

 In terms of energy, an isolation system shifts the fundamental

period of a structure away from the strongest components in
the earthquake ground motion, thus reducing the amount of
energy transferred into the structure (i.e., an isolation system
“reflects” the input energy away from the structure).

 The energy that is transmitted to the structure is largely

dissipated by efficient energy dissipation mechanisms within
the isolation system
 CONCEPT OF SEISMIC ISOLATION
 This slide shows typical displacement design
response spectra for three different damping
levels.

 The major effect of seismic isolation is to

increase the natural period which increases
the displacement demand; however, the
displacement demand is shifted from the
superstructure to the isolation system
 CONCEPT OF SEISMIC ISOLATION
 Softer soils tend to produce ground motion at
higher periods which in turn amplifies the
response of structures having high periods.
Thus, seismic isolation systems, which have a
high fundamental period, are not well-suited
to soft soil conditions.

 Mexico City is a good example of a region with

soft soil conditions; the fundamental natural
period of the soil in Mexico City tends to be
approximately 2 seconds.
 SEISMIC ISOLATION SYSTEM
 Seismic Isolation System is a collection of structural elements that
should substantially decouple a structure from the horizontal
components of ground shaking thus protecting the building's integrity.

 Typical isolation systems reduce seismic forces transmitted to the

superstructure by lengthening the period of the building and adding
some amount of damping.

 Added damping is an inherent property of most isolators, but may also

be provided by supplemental energy dissipation devices installed
across the isolation interface.

 Under favorable conditions, the isolation system reduces drift in the

superstructure by a factor of at least two—and sometimes by as much
as factor of five from that which would occur if the building were not
isolated.
 SEISMIC ISOLATION SYSTEM
 Accelerations are also reduced in the structure,
although the amount of reduction depends on the
force-deflection characteristics of the isolators and
may not be as significant as the reduction of drift..

 Reduction of drift in the superstructure protects

structural components and elements as well as
nonstructural components sensitive to drift-induced
damage..

 Reduction of acceleration protects nonstructural

components that are sensitive to acceleration-induced
damage
 The basic elements of a base isolation system are shown. Supplemental dampers may
or may not be utilized within an isolation system
POSITION OF THE SEISMIC
ISOLATION SYSTEM
 In addition to underground systems, other
places such as the ground floor and middle
floor can also be suitable, as shown in the
figure.

 The position of the isolators depends on the

function and design of the building.
Isolation system can be applied to the whole
site to create a local disaster prevention area
POSITION OF THE SEISMIC
ISOLATION SYSTEM
DISPLACEMENT OF ISOLATION
SYSTEM
 Although it depends on the earthquake and type of isolation
system used, an isolator for a building will move about 20 to
30 cm in each direction in a major earthquake.

 buildings with isolation systems, there is a 40 to 50 cm

clearance for movement.
Peripheral clearance of building
DISPLACEMENT OF ISOLATION
SYSTEM
 Isolation systems are designed so that the
building will move back to its original
position.

Deformation
SEISMIC ISOLATION PROTECTION
AGAINST VERTICAL QUAKE MOTION
 In current isolation systems, vertical motion is not considered,
because it is horizontal vibrations that cause objects to fall.

 For example, if you apply a vertical vibration to an object at

rest on a board, it is hardly disrupted. But if you jolt the board
horizontally, the object will fall.

 Earthquake vibration of buildings in the horizontal direction is

considerably reduced by a seismic isolation system.
Therefore, the isolation system prevents equipment from
falling even in a vertical quake.

 The same is true of buildings.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS AND
MAINTENANCE
 Isolation systems require little fire resistance
because they are usually installed under the
lowest floor of a building, where inflammable
materials and ignition sources are not
normally found.

 However, if multilayer rubber bearings are

installed in the middle floor where a possibility
of fire exists, some fire resistant protection is
required.
Fireproof covers are available.
 MAINTENANCE
 Isolation systems with high durability do not
require replacement. To maintain reliability
and safety, periodic inspection of the building
and the isolators is recommended.
After it is struck by an earthquake with a
seismic intensity greater than 5, basic
inspection is required.
COST OF SEISMIC ISOLATION
SYSTEM
 There are various other expenses other than the
isolators. However, there are also benefits such as
reduction in the required size of the structural members.

 The percentage of the cost for seismic isolation reduces

for taller buildings. Generally, the additional cost for an
isolation system installed in a building with over ten
stories is 2 to 3 % of the total construction cost.

 In addition, considering that seismic isolation improves

safety during an earthquake and saves repair costs after
an earthquake, the lifecycle cost of a building can be
reduced.
MERITS OF SEISMIC ISOLATION
SYSTEM
 Seismic isolation provides numerous benefits:

◦ Safety improvement

Damage to not only the building itself but also interior facilities are
restricted and gas or water leaks are prevented, as are secondary accidents
due to falling furniture and human lives are protected.

◦ Maintenance of function
The
function of buildings can be ensured even after a major earthquake and
life can continue as normal.

◦ Protection of property
The
difficulties of repair, reinforcement, demolition and rebuilding were
experienced after the Great Hanshin Earthquake.
Seismic isolation reduces concern.
MERITS OF SEISMIC ISOLATION
SYSTEM
◦ Increased flexibility
Earthquake
input to building can be considerably reduced while design flexibility
is increased.
Precast construction method simplifies the whole structure including
junctions and reduces weight of members.

◦ Improvement of relief
Fear of
earthquake can be alleviated and psychological burden is reduced.
Evacuation route is secured after an earthquake.

◦ Economic effect of seismic isolation

Considering
safety improvements for disaster during an earthquake and
reduction of repair costs after an earthquake, seismic isolation can
reduce life cycle cost.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEISMIC
ISOLATION AND EARTHQUAKE
RESISTANT BUILDINGS
 Seismic Isolation Construction

◦ The objective of the Seismic isolation is to decouple the

building structure from the damaging components of the
earthquake input motion, i.e., to prevent the superstructure of
the building from absorbing the earthquake energy.

◦ The entire superstructure must be supported on discrete

isolators whose dynamic characteristics are chosen to uncouple
the ground motion. Some isolators are also designed to add
substantial damping, Displacement and yielding are
concentrated at the level of the isolation devices, and the
superstructure behaves very much like a rigid body.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEISMIC ISOLATION AND
EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT BUILDINGS

 Earthquake resistant construction

◦ Although the structure of the building can be

protected, there is a possibility of causing
secondary accidents due to falling furniture and
damage to facades.
Qualitatively, a conventional structure experiences
deformations within each story
of the structure (i.e. inter story drifts) and
amplified accelerations at upper floor levels.

In contrast, isolated structures experience

deformation primarily at the base of the structure
(i.e., within the isolation system) and the
accelerations are relatively uniform over the height
TYPESOF SEISMIC ISOLATION
BEARINGS
Elastomeric Bearings

 Low-Damping Natural or Synthetic Rubber Bearing

 High-Damping Natural Rubber Bearing

 Lead-Rubber Bearing (Low

damping natural rubber with lead core)

Sliding Bearings

 Spherical Sliding Bearing

 Friction Pendulum Sliding (FPS) Bearings

ELASTOMERIC BEARINGS

Major Components:

 Rubber Layers: Provide lateral flexibility

 Steel Shims: Provide vertical stiffness to support building weight

while limiting lateral bulging of rubber

 Lead plug: Provides source of energy dissipation

 ELASTOMERIC BEARINGS
 Elastomeric bearings consist of a series of
alternating rubber and steel layers. The rubber
provides lateral flexibility while the steel
provides vertical stiffness.

 In addition, rubber cover is provided on the

top, bottom, and sides of the bearing to
protect the steel plates. In some cases, a lead
cylinder is installed in the center of the
bearing to provide high initial stiffness and a
mechanism for energy dissipation.
Low Damping Natural or Synthetic
Rubber Bearings

Damping ratio = 2 to 3%

 Advantages:
◦ Simple to manufacture
◦ Easy to model
◦ Response not strongly sensitive to rate of loading,
history of loading, temperature, and aging.

 Disadvantage:
◦ Need supplemental damping system
High-Damping Natural Rubber
Bearings
 Damping increased by adding extra fine
carbon black, oils or resins, and other
proprietary fillers

 Damping ratio = 10 to 20% at shear

 Shear modulus = 50 to 200 psi

 Effective Stiffness and Damping depend on:

◦ Elastomeric and fillers

◦ Contact pressure
◦ Velocity of loading
◦ Load history
◦ Temperature
 Lead-Rubber Bearings
 Invented in 1975 in New Zealand and used
extensively in New Zealand, Japan, and the USA

 Low damping rubber combined with central lead core

 Shear modulus = 85 to 100 psi

 Solid lead cylinder is press-fitted into central hole of elastomeric

bearing

 Lead yield stress = 1500 psi (results in high initial stiffness)

 Yield stress reduces with repeated cycling due to temperature rise

 Hysteretic response is strongly displacement-dependent

 Lead-Rubber Bearings
 Lead-rubber bearings include a central lead
plug that is used to increase the initial
stiffness of the bearing (provides wind
loading restraint) and increase the energy
dissipation capacity of the bearing.

 After the lead yields, it dissipates energy as it

is cycled. Fatigue of the lead is not a concern
since lead re crystallizes at normal
temperatures.
 The behavior of elastomeric bearings can be determined via
experimental testing in which the bearings are subjected to constant
axial load and sinusoidal lateral load.

 Low damping rubber bearings produce narrow hysteresis loops due to

their inability to dissipate significant amounts of energy. In contrast,
high damping and lead rubber bearings produce wider hysteresis loops
due to their ability to dissipate significant amounts of energy.

 Note that, for a given peak displacement, lead rubber bearings exhibit
higher initial stiffness and more loop area (energy dissipation) than
high damping rubber bearings.

 In general, elastomeric bearings exhibit high stiffness at low shear

strains, reduced stiffness at intermediate strains, and increased
stiffness at high strains.
 SLIDING BEARINGS
 - Friction Pendulum Sliding (FPS) Bearings

◦ The friction-pendulum system is a sliding system using

a special interfacial material sliding on stainless steel
and has been used for several projects in the United
States, both new and retrofit construction.

◦ Like other forms of seismic isolation systems, Friction

Pendulum Sliding (FPS) bearings are isolation devices
are placed between a building's superstructure and its
foundation, where they alter the force-response
characteristics of the building. The FPS system makes
use of spherically shaped, articulated sliding bearings.
 DAMPERS
 1. Steel Damper

It utilizes the elasto-plasticity property of

steel. The hysteretic loop contributes to
energy dissipation. There are two types of
steel dampers, one is square in section and
other is round in section of the rods as shown
in the Photograph
Steel Damper
 DAMPERS
 2. Lead Damper

It utilizes the plasticity property of lead. The

hysteretic loop contributes to energy
dissipation. There are two types of lead
dampers, one has a round section and a
curved shape as shown in the Photograph and
other has a cylindrical plug in core of the
elastomeric isolator.
Lead Damper
 DAMPERS
 3. Oil Damper

It utilizes the viscous property of fluid. Oil or

silicon are used as the fluid. Viscous
resistance contributes to energy dissipation.
Oil damper is a cylindrical shape as shown in
the Photograph.
Oil Damper
ANALYSIS OF SEISMIC ISOLATED
BUILDING
 Due to relatively high stiffness ratio between
the structure and the isolator, the structure is
considered to behave as a rigid body with all
deformations concentrated in the isolator as
shown in figure.
ANALYSIS OF SEISMIC ISOLATED
BUILDING
 With this assumption, the system may be
treated as an equivalent single degree of
freedom system with its mass concentrated in
the isolator.

 Since the isolator properties are known through

their hysteretic behavior, inelastic dynamic
analysis may be performed to analyze the
system under any excitation. The indirect
analysis using force reductions and ductility
demand /capacity will be valid as well.
ANALYSIS OF SEISMIC ISOLATED
BUILDING
 In general, the system must be designed to meet
the required specifications as well as the
conditions of serviceability.

 Such requirements include, for example, the

design of bearing to carry the vertical gravity
loads and to meet the strain limitations, a
minimum yield force to resist wind during normal
conditions, and a minimum displacement capacity
( ductility capacity) to meet the expected large
inelastic displacements during earthquake
excitation.
 APPLICATIONS
 As Seismic isolation of buildings and
structures is very efficient and important for
the increase of seismic resistance both of
newly constructed and for existing buildings.
Here are some examples of buildings which
are seismically isolated:
China
Around 600 base isolation buildings have been
constructed. The one was constructed in 1991.

35 base isolation buildings are constructed on the two-story

reinforced concrete platform of subway station in Beijing, China.

Base isolators at the large span structure Miniature building models

of the Shanghai F1 circuit. for shaking table test
Korea
The Unison Research
and Development Center
building, constructed in
1997, was the first
seismically-isolated
building.
Korea
The second was Trauma
House III, a 12- story
apartment building in
Seoul.
New Zealand
The first seismically
isolated structure in New
Zealand was the Motu
Bridge in the North Island
completed in 1974.

Rocking Seismic Isolation System

The isolation mechanism is provided by

stepping action of each of the two feet
of the piers. Steel dampers are used for
energy dissipation.
United Stats of America

Foothill Community Law and Justice

Center, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

 Application to new building in 1985

 12 miles from San Andreas fault
 Four stories + basement + penthouse
 Steel braced frame
 Weight = 29,300 kips
 98 High damping elastomeric bearings
 2 sec fundamental lateral period
 0.1 sec vertical period
 +/- 16 inches displacement capacity
 Damping ratio = 10 to 20%
United States Of America
The second building
application in the USA was
the City and County
Building, in Salt Lake City,
Utah, completed in 1989
with 208 lead-rubber and
239 natural rubber
bearings. This project was
the first in the world to use
isolation for retrofit,
completed in 1989.
Seismic Isolation to Retrofit Projects
Motivating Factors:

 Historical Building Preservation

(minimize modification/destruction of building)

 Maintain Functionality
(building remains operational after earthquake)

 Design Economy
(seismic isolation may be most economic solution)

 Investment Protection
(long-term economic loss reduced)

 Content Protection
(Value of contents may be greater than structure)
Example of Seismic
Isolation Retrofit
U.S. Court of Appeals, San Francisco, CA

 Original construction started in1905

 Significant historical and
architectural value
 Four stories + basement
 Steel-framed superstructure
 Weight = 120,000 kips
 Granite exterior & marble, plaster,
and hardwood interior
 Damaged in 1989 Loma Prieta EQ
 Seismic retrofit in 1994
 256 Sliding bearings (FPS)
 Displacement capacity = +/-14 in.
 CONCLUSION
 After this brief explanation for the seismic isolation construction
method, which has gained popularity over the past decades, we
can summarize the concept of this technology with two words,
Vibration Control.

 In summary, the target of any seismic isolation system will be to

elongate the period of the structure to limit the transfer of the
acceleration from the ground to the structure which also implies
that the structure sees little force, if any.

 It should be pointed out, however, that this action is associated

with large displacement in the isolators that must be
accommodated. In conclusion, it should be kept in mind that the
seismic isolation is a trade off between large forces and large
displacements.
 CONCLUSION
 As we noticed , this can be achieved by using an isolator, rather
Elastomeric bearing (lead-rubber) or sliding system (friction-
pendulum bearing ).

 Both isolators have less stiffness than the structure itself, so they
can carry out large displacements when exposed to an earthquake.

 Although the seismic isolation system adds additional cost 2-3%

of the total construction cost, the lifecycle cost of a building can be
reduced considering that seismic isolation improves safety during
an earthquake and saves repair costs after an earthquake.

 It can also be noted that the seismic isolation is considered the only
practical solution for historical monuments if the superstructure
itself can not be modified or strengthened for obvious reasons. So it
can be expected that the use of this system will be greatly
increased in the future.