Seismic isolation, the New Zealand experience

Book · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:129026

Robinson, W H ^[1]

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1. New Zealand Inst. for Industrial Research and Development, Lower Hutt (New Zealand). Materials Engineering Lab.

In New Zealand, seismic isolation, the technique in which the structure is decoupled from earthquake-induced ground motions, has now advanced to the point where it is often considered for the protection of both new and existing buildings, bridges, and to a lesser extent, industrial plant. The authors describe here how the lead-based devices operate, and they give some examples of the application of seismic isolation to structures in New Zealand. Current interest is focused on the application of seismic isolation to three buildings in central Wellington. In July 1993, the construction of the seismically isolated Museum of New Zealand was started on the Wellington waterfront. All of the lead-rubber isolators have now (June 1994) been tested, delivered to the site and most have been installed. Nearby the NZ Parliament Building and Library have been retrofitted with a lead-rubber bearing system. To support the continuation of improvements to the seismic resistance of structures a number of research programs are operating in the Universities of Auckland and Canterbury, the Engineering Seismology Section of the NZ Institute of Geology, Works, a number of engineering consultants and in the author`s own institute. Very strong support for the principles of seismic isolation is given by the fact that of the ten hospitals affected by the recent Los Angeles (Jan `94) earthquake only the hospital seismically isolated by a lead-rubber bearing system was able to continue to operate. Further support is given by the excellent behavior of two isolated buildings in the South Hyogo earthquake (Jan. `95).

• OSTI ID: 129026
• Report Number(s): CONF-950740--; ISBN 0-7918-1325-8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
COMPILED DATA
DAMPING
DESIGN
ENERGY FACILITIES
LEAD
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS
NEW ZEALAND
PERFORMANCE
PLASTICITY
PUBLIC BUILDINGS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
RUBBERS
SEISMIC ISOLATION
SHOCK ABSORBERS