Seismic response of segmental buildings

Abstract

Abstract This paper proposes an aseismic design concept in which the superstructure of a base‐isolated building is divided into several segments. Each segment may comprise a few storeys and is interconnected by additional vibrational isolation systems. The dynamic characteristics of the segmental buildings are investigated. The optimum parameters of the vibration isolation systems are determined by minimizing the mean square acceleration response. The seismic response of a typical segmental building subjected to the N—S component of the 1940 El Centro earthquake input is evaluated and compared with the responses of the corresponding fixed‐base and conventional base‐isolated buildings. The comparisons show that, when the superstructure is segmented, while the acceleration response in the superstructure remains as small as that in the conventional base‐isolated building, the displacement across the base isolation system at foundation level is substantially reduced.