BASE ISOLATION

Research Paper for Thesis Proposal

Muhammad Ali Raza (CE-004/21-22)

RESEARCH PAPER-1:
The assessment of the interaction between base isolation (BI) technique and soil
structure interaction (SSI) effects with 3D numerical simulations.
PUBLISHED YEAR
ABSTRACT

Base Isolation (BI) is a well-known technique that aims to reduce 2022

the seismic vulnerability of structures by increasing the
structural deformability and the damping. However, these beneficial AUTHOR
effects are significantly reduced when the system is founded on Davide Forcellini
deformable soils and then Soil Structure Interaction (SSI) effects are
considered. Even if both BI and SSI have been extensively studied in
literature, the mutual effects of the two mechanisms are still object NUMERICAL MODEL
of discussion and this paper aims to fill this gap by performing 3D
numerical simulations. Several structural systems of different soil Plasticity Model
conditions are herein modeled in order to account the period
elongation and damping increase of the isolated systems. In SOFTWARE TOOL
particular, the paper proposes relationships to calculate these two
effects to be used for preliminary estimations avoiding complex and 1. OpenSees
time-consuming analyses. The models have been performed with 2. Structure Modeling Software
Opensees to reproduce non-linear hysteretic materials and advanced
soil models and consider the non-linear structural performance.
RESEARCH PAPER-2:
Analytical and numerical investigations of base isolation system with negative
stiffness devices.
PUBLISHED YEAR
ABSTRACT
This study presents an innovative base isolation system with negative stiffness 2022
devices (NSDs) for seismic protection of structures. It is implemented by the
vertical pre-stressed helical springs to generate variable stiffness in the lateral AUTHOR
direction. The design concept of the NSDs is first introduced, and the induced
lateral restoring force was given accordingly. The equation of motion with Chen, P., Wang, B., Dai, K., & Li, T.
strong nonlinearity is established and simplified using the Taylor series
expansion. The theoretical dynamic solution is obtained using the harmonic
balance method, which is further compared with the numerical approach NUMERICAL MODEL
using the direct integration method. Results show that the theoretical solution Taylor Series Approximation Method
could match well with numerical simulation when the system nonlinearity is
Analytical kinematic Model
insignificant. For this reason, a corresponding parameter with its
recommended critical value is provided to determine the applicability of the
Harmonic Balance Method
analytical approach. Performance evaluation of the isolation system with NSDs SOFTWARE TOOL
is conducted through the incremental dynamic analysis using two single-
degree-of-freedom models. As expected, the auxiliary NSDs promote the 1. Time History tools
isolation effect under minor and moderate earthquakes, while the large 2. Structure Modeling Software
isolation deformation could be reduced under major earthquakes. Moreover,
the NSDs are especially effective under near-field earthquakes with pulse-like
components. Some potential drawbacks of this isolation system are also
discussed, including the potential amplified acceleration response induced by
the restraining of excessive displacement and considerable residual
deformation after earthquake shaking
RESEARCH PAPER-3:
Optimal Design of Inertial Amplifier Base Isolators for Dynamic Response
Control of Multi-Storey Buildings
PUBLISHED YEAR
ABSTRACT

The optimal design of inertial amplifier base isolators (IABI) for 2022
dynamic response mitigation of multi-storey buildings subjected to
base excitations has been studied in this paper. In order to achieve AUTHOR
the closed-form expressions for optimal design parameters of
Sudip Chowdhury, Arnab Banerjee
IABI, H2H2 optimization method has been employed. The
and Sondipon Adhikari
effectiveness of the closed-form expressions for optimal design
parameters was evaluated by determining the isolated structures’ NUMERICAL MODEL
frequency and time domain responses and comparing them to the Newmark-beta Method
corresponding responses obtained from equivalent uncontrolled H2 Optimization Method
structures. A numerical study employing the Newmark-beta method
is conducted to obtain time-domain responses using near-field
SOFTWARE TOOL
earthquake base excitation. The response reduction capacity (%) of
the optimum inertial amplifier base isolator is compared to the 1. Time / Response History tools
response reduction capacity (%) of the optimum traditional base 2. Structure Modeling Software
isolators, demonstrating that inertial amplifiers have increased the
vibration reduction performance of traditional base isolators by
50% to 60%. All the outcomes from the study are mathematically
accurate and also feasible for practical design purposes.
RESEARCH PAPER-4:
On optimal lead rubber base-isolation design for steel moment frames using
value-based seismic design approach.
PUBLISHED YEAR
ABSTRACT
This paper employs the framework of value-based seismic design to optimize 2022
the geometrical and mechanical properties of lead rubber bearings (LRBs). An
optimization problem is proposed within this framework. Construction cost AUTHOR
and seismic consequences are chosen as the value components. Most failure
modes of the LRB, such as strength deterioration, axial buckling, and rubber Rahgozar, A., Estekanchi, H. E.,
rupture, have been carefully considered in the seismic response. Besides, a & Mirfarhadi, S. A.
new cost function for LRBs is developed from actual isolated building projects.
Moreover, the minimum code requirements for lead rubber isolated buildings NUMERICAL MODEL
are formulated as the design constraints. FEMA P-58 methodology is exploited
FEMA P-58 Method
to predict the seismic consequences, including the repair cost, repair time,
injury, and fatality. Endurance time method is used to evaluate the structural Value-based design framework
seismic responses. A set of three lead rubber isolated buildings are selected for Endurance time method
investigation, representing low-to mid-rise moment-resisting frames (MRFs). SOFTWARE TOOL
Each building is optimally designed by two scenarios: the code-based design
(CBD) by minimizing the initial construction cost and the value-based design 1. Time / Response History tools
(VBD) by maximizing the total building value. It is observed that the total 2. Structure Modeling Software
building values of the isolated MRFs optimized with the CBD approach are
somewhat acceptable. However, they can be significantly increased with the
VBD approach because it adequately reduces the probability of axial buckling
and rupture of LRBs.
RESEARCH PAPER-5:
Seismic response of base isolated structure versus fixed based structure during
strong ground motions.
PUBLISHED YEAR
ABSTRACT
After 2005 Pakistan earthquake the damage to the structures were severe and 2015
different techniques were needed to be evaluated to increase seismic capacity
of the buildings. Base isolation is one of such techniques, on which limited AUTHOR
research has been carried out. This paper will presents a comprehensive
description of the current stage of knowledge on the behavior of hardware Alam, Haris & Fahad,
used in seismic isolation and in seismic damping systems. Particularly the Muhammad & Shahzada,
study deals with the description of fundamental behavior of fixed based and Khan & Ali,
based isolated under both service-type of loading conditions and under high Naveed & Khan,
strain rates. Specific problems addressed in this study will include the Fasih Ahmed.
estimation of design displacement using UBC-97 parameter for DBE. The
response of building subjected to a set of seven time histories. The analysis
NUMERICAL MODEL
result shows that UBC-97 predicts isolator's displacements successfully. On
comparison of base isolated and a fixed based building, it was observed that UBC-97 Parameters
inter story drift and floor Shear were significantly reduced. While the overall
displacement in the building are amplified as a result of Base isolation. But
the relative displacement in the structure are reduced as major portion of the SOFTWARE TOOL
displacement is produced in the isolation devices. Hence reducing the
damages in the super structure of base isolated structure. The presented 1. Time / Response History tools
information may represent the basis for the development of modern Guide 2. Structure Modeling Software
Specifications for Seismic Isolation Design in Pakistan.
RESEARCH PAPER-6:
Base isolation for mid-rise buildings in presence of soil-structure interaction.

PUBLISHED YEAR
ABSTRACT

Base isolation has been commonly used for seismic protection of 2021

low-rise (short period) buildings on firm ground. For taller
buildings on soft soil, however, the following concerns arise: soil- AUTHOR
structure interaction (SSI) alters the resonant characteristics of the Pérez-Rocha, L. E., Avilés-López,
whole system and its dynamic response. The efficiency of base- J., & Tena-Colunga, A.
isolation depends on the dynamic properties of the system and the
shape of the site response spectrum. In this work, SSI effects on the
NUMERICAL MODEL
dynamic response of base-isolated mid-rise buildings are examined.
A discrete shear-building model with linear elastic elastomeric
bearings and flexible foundation is analyzed by a suitable method for
systems with non-classical damping. The model is applied to
evaluate the feasibility of using seismic isolation at soft-soil sites of SOFTWARE TOOL
Mexico City, where typical buildings of 10–15 stories were the most
damaged during the great 1985 Michoacán earthquake. It is 1. Time / Response History tools
concluded that base isolation can be effectively used to control the 2. Structure Modeling Software
detrimental SSI effects anticipated for these buildings located at sites
with dominant period longer than the fundamental fixed-base period
of the superstructure.
RESEARCH PAPER-7:
Base Isolation Retrofitting Design for the Existing 9-Story Large-Panel
Apartment Building
ABSTRACT PUBLISHED YEAR
In Armenia seismic isolation of existing buildings is becoming a more common
method of providing protection from earthquake damage. Thanks to the works 2020
of the author of this paper in nowadays Armenia is well known as a country
where seismic base and roof isolation systems are widely implemented in AUTHOR
construction of new and retrofitting of existing buildings. The number of
seismically isolated buildings per capita in Armenia is one of the highest in the Mikayel Grigor Melkumyan
world - second after Japan. The paper given below emphasizes that Armenia
achieved significant results also in local manufacturing testing of seismic
isolation laminated rubber steel bearings SILRSBs. Several remarkable
NUMERICAL MODEL
projects on retrofitting by base isolation of the existing buildings like
apartment, school, hotel and hospital buildings are briefly mentioned in the
paper to demonstrate the retrofitting experience accumulated in Armenia.
Based on the gained experience further developments take place and unique
base isolation structural concepts and technologies created by the author are
applied more and more to the existing buildings. In this paper base isolation SOFTWARE TOOL
retrofitting design and analysis by the Armenian Seismic Code for the 9 story
large panel apartment building is described. This will be a first application of 1. Time / Response History tools
base isolation retrofitting technology to a building the bearing system of which 2. Structure Modeling Software
consists of reinforced concrete large panels. It is stated that suggested seismic
isolation strategy is reducing the cost of retrofitting of the given existing
building about 5 times in comparison with the cost of conventional
strengthening. The other important factor is that applied structural concept
allows retro fitting without interruption of the use of considered building.
RESEARCH PAPER-8:
retrofit solutions using base isolation for existing RC buildings: economic
feasibility and pay-back time
ABSTRACT PUBLISHED YEAR
The existing reinforced concrete buildings typical of the Mediterranean area
commonly have poor seismic performance and high vulnerability to the 2020
seismic events. As demonstrated by recent post-earthquake reconstruction
processes, they commonly exhibited significant damage to structural AUTHOR
components and to infills and partitions resulting in very high repair costs.
This suggests that effective seismic strengthening interventions should aim at Andrea Natale1· Ciro Del Vecchio·
both improving the safety and reducing the expected annual losses. Marco Di Ludovico1
Nowadays, the seismic retrofitting of existing RC buildings by using base
isolation is becoming popular because of the high effectiveness as seismic NUMERICAL MODEL
protection strategy. However, the high costs of installation are limiting the
widespread in the common design practice. In this context, a unique design PBEE-based methodology
parameter capable of combining the increasing seismic safety, the cost of Finite Element Modelling
installation and the reduction of the expected losses can be useful to draw FEMA-58
simple cost-benefits considerations. This research work proposes a PBEE-
based methodology to quantify the Pay-Back Time (PBT) of seismic retrofit
SOFTWARE TOOL
solutions for existing RC buildings. The non-linear response of base isolated 1. Time / Response History tools
building is assessed and a comparison with different strengthening solutions
2. Structure Modeling Software
is proposed to show the applicability of the PBT as a unique design parameter
to select the most effective retrofit solution. A database of 59 RC buildings 3. SAP 2000
retrofitted by using base isolation during the L’Aquila reconstruction process, 4. REXEL
where actual retrofit costs are available, is used for the validation. Finally,
these data are used to calibrate a simple formulation of the PBT to be used in
the design practice.
RESEARCH PAPER-9:
Seismic Response of Hill Buildings with Base Isolation and URM Infills

ABSTRACT PUBLISHED YEAR

RC frame structures resting on a hill slope exhibit diverse seismic
responses in comparison with conventional buildings built on plain 2022
ground. Due to asymmetric structural configuration at different floor
levels, the hill buildings attract additional lateral shear force and AUTHOR
torsional moments in the structural members. Further, unreinforced
masonry infills play a critical role in the energy dissipation during Bilal A, Mohammad Z, Baqi A
seismic excitements and are often neglected in the seismic analysis
of buildings. Moreover, base isolation systems have also been shown
NUMERICAL MODEL
to reduce the seismic vibrations in the buildings. Thus, in the
present study, the effect of unreinforced masonry infill panels as well Numerical Study
as a commonly used base isolation system, i.e. Laminated Lead
Rubber Bearing (LLRB) on the seismic performance of two hill
building configurations, viz. stepback and setback-stepback, was SOFTWARE TOOL
studied. All the configurations have been modelled using finite
element software, and analysed by Response Spectrum and Non- 1. Time / Response History tools
linear Static Pushover method. The seismic parameters obtained 2. Structure Modeling Software
from the numerical study were discussed in terms of base shear, 3. Finite Element Software
fundamental time period, maximum top storey displacement and
plastic hinge formation pattern in the building structure. Finally, the
vulnerability and suitability of the different configurations against
earthquake were compared in along and across slope directions.
RESEARCH PAPER-10:
Modeling and Seismic Response Analysis of Existing Italian Residential RC
Buildings Retrofitted by Seismic Isolation
ABSTRACT PUBLISHED YEAR

The seismic performance of existing RC frame buildings 2022

seismically retrofitted by base isolation is examined. Two
AUTHOR
different types of isolation systems are considered, i.e.: Cardone DViggiani LPerrone
rubber-based and friction-based isolation systems, GTelesca ADi Cesare APonzo
respectively. Two different performance levels are examined, FRagni LMicozzi FDall’Asta
namely: Global collapse prevention and Usability preventing AFuringhetti MPavese A
damage. Seismic performance is assessed by multi-stripe NUMERICAL MODEL
nonlinear time-history analysis, considering earthquake
Kikuchi Bearing Element
intensity levels with return period ranging from 10 to 100000 Single FP Bearing Element
years. Results point out that seismic isolation works
effectively in limiting damage well beyond the design limit SOFTWARE TOOL
state level while it shows a limited margin with respect to 1. Opensees
collapse beyond the design limit state level. 2. Structure Modeling Software
3. Finite Element Software
RESEARCH PAPER-11:
Low-cost base isolation systems for unreinforced masonry buildings in
developing countries
ABSTRACT PUBLISHED YEAR

Unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings are one of the most common 2021
constructions in developing countries and are usually constructed based on
traditional knowledge without engineering intervention. Due to poor seismic
performance of URM buildings, the development of seismic protection systems
AUTHOR
can play a key role in the mitigation of losses in future earthquakes. Despite Nagavinothini Ravichandran1
the availability of different interventions for seismic strengthening of URM , Daniele Losanno1
buildings, the quest for a cost-effective technique still exits. On the basis of , and Fulvio Parisi1,2
recent outcomes by these authors, this study presents the design of low-cost
base isolation systems for a class of URM buildings deemed representative of NUMERICAL MODEL
the building stock of developing countries. The proposed base-isolation system
is made by recycled-rubber fibre-reinforced elastomeric isolators (RR-FREIs). RR - FREIs
Building classes were defined by properly selecting those parameters which
are expected to mostly affect the seismic behaviour of the building such as
number of storeys, masonry type and in-plan irregularity. Three-dimensional SOFTWARE TOOL
numerical models of URM buildings were developed in SAP2000 using
nonlinear layered shell elements and bilinear models for RR-FREIs. Nonlinear 1. SAP 2000
time history analyses were carried out for a set of ground motion records to 2. Structure Modeling Software
investigate the performance of both fixed-base (FB) and base-isolated (BI) 3. Time History
configurations of URM buildings. The comparison of results shows a
significant reduction of inter-storey drift ratios for BI configuration, thus
demonstrating the effectiveness of RR-FREIs.
RESEARCH PAPER-12:
Seismic retrofit of an existing RC building with isolation devices applied at base

ABSTRACT PUBLISHED YEAR

Nowadays, seismic retrofit through isolation strategy represents a consolidated
technique of protection against design earthquakes. This technique is also 2021
applied on existing structures extensively, due to the fact that it usually does
not require any interruption of the building use and occupants evacuation. If AUTHOR
applicable, it rapidly allows the seismically retrofitting of a building installed D’amato MLaguardia RGigliotti R
with seismic devices with low horizontal stiffness between the structure and
the foundation decoupling, in fact, this allows the motion of the
superstructure from the ground one. In this paper an application on an
existing RC building of the seismic isolation is presented. The chosen building
was built in the ‘90s only for vertical loads and realized without any detailing NUMERICAL MODEL
rule for structural ductility. The seismic retrofitting requirement stems from
FEM Model
the fact that only recently, after the National seismic hazard maps update in
2003, the considered area has been upgraded to a medium-low seismic
intensity zone, while at construction time no seismic classification was in
existence by law. The case study peculiarity is that the seismic retrofitting has
SOFTWARE TOOL
required an addition to seismic devices at the base, with related interventions 1. Structure Modeling Software
such as the application of a bracing system consisting of two elastic steel
2. Time History
frames. This intervention is required for stiffening the superstructure and,
therefore, minimizing the higher vibration modes effects. The paper presents
the main results obtained with a FEM model, implemented for simulating the
initial and the design state when the interventions are considered. Finally,
some results of non-linear dynamic time-history analyses are illustrated and
commented for verifying superstructure elements and seismic devices.
RESEARCH PAPER-12:
A case study of modern heritage building: Base isolation seismic retrofit for
preservation of its architectural distinguishing features
ABSTRACT PUBLISHED YEAR
Several Italian buildings designed by eminent architects and
structural engineers in the second half of the 20th century are now 2020
included in modern heritage listings. At the same time, as they were
designed before the issue of coordinate national Technical AUTHOR
Standards, often require important structural rehabilitation Gloria Terenzi1
interventions. One of the most representative case studies of that , Elena Fuso1
period in Florence, i.e. the building now housing the Automobile , Stefano Sorace2
Club Headquarter and a B&B Hotel, is examined in this paper. A , Iacopo Costoli2
seismic assessment analysis carried out on the structure highlighted
NUMERICAL MODEL
strength deficiencies in several members and potentially severe
pounding conditions between the two constituting wings of the FEM Model
building, separated by a narrow technical gap. In order to improve
the seismic performance without altering the architectural SOFTWARE TOOL
appearance of the building, characterized by large windows in the
façades, free internal spaces and elegant proportions of the main 1. Structure Modeling Software
structural members, a base isolation retrofit hypothesis is proposed. 2. Time History
A substantial seismic improvement is obtained in rehabilitated
conditions, as assessed by the achievement of safe stress states for
all members up to the basic design normative earthquake level, as
well as of maximum relative lateral displacements of the two wings
constrained below the technical gap width.
RESEARCH PAPER-13:
A practical approach to building isolation

ABSTRACT PUBLISHED YEAR

As a result of worldwide acoustical consultant specifications, entire
buildings have been isolated for over 60 years. Base Building 2020
Isolation has its merits, turning marginal properties (based on their
proximity to rail systems) into multipurpose high-end developments AUTHOR
free of vibration and re-radiated noise. This discussion will focus on
Low Dynamic Stiffness (LDS) Structural Isolation Bearing Pads and Valerio, D. G
the relationship between the acoustician, design team and
manufacturer and focus on installation and construction. The
acoustician, design team and manufacturer are more than capable of
NUMERICAL MODEL
measuring, designing, detailing and complying with building codes to
establish the proper natural frequency of support and the design
criteria for construction. It is during construction when the
acoustical integrity of the structure is most fragile, where the SOFTWARE TOOL
resulting vibration reduction is compromised by unforeseen short-
circuiting of the isolation system, which is a function of location and
the ability to inspect the isolation plane. This discussion will also
focus on existing projects and understanding that the complications
of any Base Isolation project are educating the contractors, being on
site, and being vigilant about identifying and mitigating short
circuiting before substantial completion. The intent is to identify
common concerns and offer practical solutions to typical problems.