| Abstract: | A study of floor response spectra for a base-isolated multi-storey structure under sinusoidal and seismic ground excitations is carried out. Several base isolation systems including the laminated rubber bearing, the pure-friction, the resilient-friction, the Électricité de France and the sliding resilient-friction systems are considered. A sinusoidal ground acceleration and several earthquake accelerograms (including those of El Centro 1940, Pacoima Dam 1971 and Mexico City 1985) are used to evaluate the floor response spectra. The characteristics of the spectra generated by different base isolation systems are studied, and the results are compared with those for the fixed-base structure. It is shown that the structural contents can be protected against earthquakes by the use of properly designed base isolation systems. In particular, the laminated rubber bearing system appears to be remarkably effective in protecting the secondary systems under a variety of conditions. |
