Numerical study on seismic response of a base-isolated building modelled with shell elements

Seismic isolation is counted among the most popular and effective means of protecting structures against earthquake forces. Base isolators, like Lead-Rubber Bearings (LRB), High-Damping Rubber Bearings (HDB) or Friction Pendulum Systems (FPS) are extensively used in practice in many earthquake-prone regions of the world. The present paper reports the results obtained from the numerical study on seismic response of a base-isolated 4-storey building modelled with 4-node shell elements. The investigation aims to determine effectiveness of the Polymeric Bearings in suppressing structural vibrations. The seismic response of the analyzed building, both fixed-base and base-isolated, under the 1940 El Centro earthquake was studied. The reduction in lateral response was measured by comparing the displacements and peak accelerations of both structures. The preliminary results of the study indicate that application of the Polymeric Bearings leads to a significant improvement of dynamic performance of the analyzed building during seismic excitations.