Comparative Evaluation of Base-Isolated and Fixed-Base Buildings Using a Comprehensive Response Index
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 135, Issue 6
Abstract
Although current code guidelines specify different seismic performance objectives for fixed-base and isolated buildings, the future of performance-based design will allow user-selected performance objectives, motivating the need for a consistent performance comparison of the two systems. Based on response history analysis to a suite of motions, constant ductility spectra are generated for fixed-base and isolated buildings. Both superstructure force (base shear) and deformation demands in base-isolated buildings are lower than in fixed-base buildings responding with identical deformation ductility. To compare the relative performance of many systems or to predict the best system to achieve a given performance objective, a response index is developed and used for rapid prototyping of response as a function of system characteristics. When evaluated for a life safety performance objective, the superstructure design base shear of an isolated building is competitive with that of a fixed-base building with identical ductility, and the isolated building generally has improved response. Isolated buildings can meet a moderate ductility immediate-occupancy objective at low design strengths, whereas comparable ductility fixed-base buildings fail to meet the objective.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 135 • Issue 6 • June 2009
Pages: 698 - 707
Copyright
© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: Jul 13, 2007
Accepted: Dec 9, 2008
Published online: May 15, 2009
Published in print: Jun 2009
Notes
Note. Associate Editor: Panos Tsopelas
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