Study on dynamic response of large and small aspect ratio isolated buildings

Abstract

SUMMARY An experimental study of a large aspect structure, 1:4 scale five‐storey steel frame, is presented. Seismic responses of the test model to the unilateral and bilateral excitations are compared. The effects of aspect ratio on the maximum acceleration, the storey drift of the superstructure, the maximum displacement and the vertical load of the isolation system are investigated. A comparison of the large aspect ratio isolated building with the small aspect ratio isolated building showed significant difference of the effects of aspect ratio subjected to disparate earthquake ground motions. Experimental results reveal that the aspect ratio is an important factor influencing the axial load action on isolators and the tension stress of the lead‐rubber bearings. The superstructure flexibility of the large aspect ratio building‐isolation system and the effects of the axial force variation of the lead‐rubber bearings should be carefully considered for design. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.