Base isolation: Fresh insight
The objective of the research is a further development of the engineering concept of seismic isolation. Neglecting the transient stage of seismic loading results in a widespread misjudgement: The force of resistance associated with velocity is mostly conceived as a source of damping vibrations, though it is an active force at the same time, during an earthquake type excitation. For very pliant systems such as base isolated structures with relatively low bearing stiffness and with artificially added heavy damping mechanism, the so called `damping`` force may occur even the main pushing force at an earthquake. Thus, one of the two basic pillars of the common seismic isolation philosophy, namely, the doctrine of usefulness and necessity of a strong damping mechanism, is turning out to be a self-deception, sometimes even jeopardizing the safety of structures and discrediting the very idea of seismic isolation. There is a way out: breaking with damping dependancy.
- Research Organization:
- Seismic Risk Evaluation Scientific Consulting Co., Los Angeles, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- National Science Foundation, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 10181073
- Report Number(s):
- BCS-9214754; ON: DE93040225; CNN: Grant BCS-9214754
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 15 Jul 1993
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Seismic Behaviour of Vertical Mass Isolated Structures
Recovery characteristics of high damping elastomers used in seismic isolation bearings.