scholarly journals Evaluating Collapse Fragility Curves for Existing Buildings Retrofitted Using Seismic Isolation

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 2844
Author(s):  
Amedeo Flora ◽  
Giuseppe Perrone ◽  
Donatello Cardone

Few studies have investigated so far the collapse capacity of buildings with base-isolation. In such studies, preliminary considerations have been drawn based on a number of assumptions regarding: (i) the methodology used for assessing the collapse capacity, (ii) the collapse conditions and failure modes assumed for both superstructure and isolation system, and (iii) the numerical modeling assumptions. The main results pointed out that the collapse conditions of base-isolated buildings may occur for intensity levels slightly higher than those associated with the design earthquake. In this paper, further developments are made through the use of enhanced models for the description of the behavior of a rubber-based isolation system and the assumption of more rational collapse conditions. Collapse fragility functions, in terms of mean and dispersion values, are proposed for two archetypes representative of existing buildings retrofitted using the seismic isolation technique. The collapse margin ratio (median collapse capacity Sa,C, namely the spectral acceleration associated to a probability of exceedance equal to 50%, divided by the design spectral acceleration at the collapse prevention limit state) has been evaluated for each examined case-study. Values ranging from 1.10 to 1.45 were found.

Author(s):  
Hoang Nam Phan ◽  
Fabrizio Paolacci ◽  
Silvia Alessandri ◽  
Phuong Hoa Hoang

Liquid steel storage tanks are strategic structures for industrial facilities and have been widely used both in nuclear and non-nuclear power plants. Typical damage to tanks occurred during past earthquakes such as cracking at the bottom plate, elastic or elastoplastic buckling of the tank wall, failure of the ground anchorage system, and sloshing damage around the roof, etc. Due to their potential and substantial economic losses as well as environmental hazards, implementations of seismic isolation and energy dissipation systems have been recently extended to liquid storage tanks. Although the benefits of seismic isolation systems have been well known in reducing seismic demands of tanks; however, these benefits have been rarely investigated in literature in terms of reduction in the probability of failure. In this paper, A vulnerability-based design approach of a sliding concave bearing system for an existing elevated liquid steel storage tank is presented by evaluating the probability of exceeding specific limit states. Firstly, nonlinear time history analyses of a three-dimensional stick model for the examined case study are performed using a set of ground motion records. Fragility curves of different failure modes of the tank are then obtained by the well-known cloud method. In the following, a seismic isolation system based on concave sliding bearings is proposed. The effectiveness of the isolation system in mitigating the seismic response of the tank is investigated by means of fragility curves. Finally, an optimization of design parameters for sliding concave bearings is determined based on the reduction of the tank vulnerability or the probability of failure.


Author(s):  
R. Lo Frano ◽  
G. Forasassi

Nuclear power plant (NPP) design is strictly dependent on the seismic hazards and safety aspects related to the external events of the site. Passive vibration isolators are the most simple and reliable means to protect sensitive equipment from environmental shocks and vibrations. This paper concerns the methodological approach to treat isolation applied to a near term deployment reactor and its internals structures in order to attain a suitable decrease of response spectra at each floor along the height of the structure. The aim of this evaluation is to determine the seismic resistance capability of as-built structures systems and components in the event of the considered Safe Shutdown earthquake (SSE). The use of anti-seismic techniques, such as seismic isolation (SI) and passive energy dissipation, seems able to ensure the full integrity and operability of important structures and systems even in very severe seismic conditions. Therefore the seismic dynamic loadings, propagated up to the main reactor system and components, may be reduced by using the developed base-isolation system (high flexibility for horizontal motions) that might combine suitable dampers with the isolating components to support reactor structures and building. To investigate and analyze the effects of the mentioned earthquake on the considered reactor internals, a deterministic methodological approach, based on the evaluation of the propagation of seismic waves along the structure, was used. To the purpose of this study a numerical assessment of dynamic structural response behaviour of the structures was accomplished by means of the finite element approach and setting up, as accurately as possible, a representative three-dimensional model of mentioned NPP structures. The obtained results in terms of response spectra (carried out from both cases of isolated and not isolated seismic analyses) were compared in order to highlight the isolation technique effectiveness.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Sorace ◽  
Gloria Terenzi

Background:The anti-seismic design of prefab reinforced concrete buildings is usually carried out with a conventional ductility-based approach. This implies a remarkable plastic demand on columns, as well as damages to the connections of structural and non-structural members, for seismic events with comparable intensity to the basic design earthquake normative level.Objective:In view of this, a study was developed and aimed at extending to the field of new prefab reinforced concrete structures the application of advanced seismic protection strategies, capable of guaranteeing undamaged response up to the maximum considered earthquake normative level.Method:A benchmark building was designed as demonstrative case study for this purpose, in the three following hypotheses: (a) according to a traditional ductility-based approach; (b) by incorporating dissipative bracings, equipped with fluid viscous dampers; (c) by placing a seismic isolation system at the base, composed of a set of double curved surface sliders.Results:The results of the verification analyses show that the targeted performance for the design solutions b) and c) is obtained with sizes of columns and plinths notably smaller than those for the conventional design. This allows compensating the additional cost related to the incorporation of the protective devices, for the dissipative bracing system, and limiting additional costs below 25%, for the base isolation solution. At the same time, a supplemental benefit of the latter is represented by greater protection of contents and plants, as they are fully supported by the seismically isolated ground floor.Conclusion:The study highlights the advantages offered by the two advanced seismic protection technologies in an unusual field of application, guaranteeing an enhanced performance of structural and non-structural elements, as well as reduced member sizes, as compared to the traditional ductility-based design.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 85-90

Enfeebling the effects of vibration caused by the movement of tectonic plates has been the major topic of research in the field of Structural Engineering. Base isolation is a technique used to counteract the effects of seismic vibration and ensuring the safety of the superstructure. Even though, the strategy of base isolation has been used in interminable number of structures, there is a need for economized, effective base isolation technique. India has been recycling and reusing waste tyres for four decades, it is estimated that 60% are disposed of through illegal dumping. India, being the second largest manufacturer of rubber after China, there is a menace of rubber disposal in the country. Despite the numerous efforts of technologists of recycling and utilizing the scrap rubber tyres, 17% of the scrap rubber tyres are diverted to landfill creating disposal problem. Therefore, there is a need for utilizing the used scrap rubber tyres in an innovative way instead of dumping it. Scrap Rubber tyres, being elastic in nature serve to be a potential shock absorber of seismic vibrations. In the present study, an attempt is made to utilize the recycled scrap rubber tyre in seismic isolation of structure. This technique proves to be a low- cost earthquake mitigation technique which can potentially reduce the damage caused by seismic shock propagation into the structure and hence ensure overall safety of the structure. An experimental analysis is done to evaluate the properties of assembly of rubber tyres and utilization of the same for isolating base of structures to check for the effectiveness in enfeebling the shocks produced by seismic vibrations. Furthermore, using the properties of scrap rubber tyres obtained from the experimental results, performance of the scrap tyres as a base isolation system for a multistoried building and stability of the structure was studied using Finite element analysis tool.


2021 ◽  
pp. 875529302098196
Author(s):  
Tansu Gökçe ◽  
Engin Orakdöğen ◽  
Ercan Yüksel

A novel seismic base isolation system has been developed for high-voltage (HV) porcelain post insulators. The seismic isolation device consists of two steel plates, four polyurethane springs, and a steel rod, which are low-cost components compared to the post insulators. Two alternative designs of the device are experimentally and numerically assessed in this article. A simple and robust numerical model consisting of linear line elements and nonlinear springs was generated, and subsequently validated using the experimental results. Incremental dynamic analyses (IDAs) were then performed to obtain fragility curves. Ten historical earthquake profiles, scaled to intensities between 0.1 and 2.0 g, were then applied to the numerical models. The fragility curves, generated according to the latest version of IEEE-693, demonstrate that the seismic isolation devices are highly effective in diminishing the base moment of the porcelain insulator. It should be noted that relatively large displacements at the top of the pole must be accounted for by ensuring adequate slackness in the flexible conductors.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 12336-12339

In the present paper base isolation system is analyzed and its seismic behavior is investigated using U-shaped steel dampers as an isolator by placing it at the bottom of the structure. It is the most popular way of protecting the structure using control techniques for earthquake ground motion. The dampers significantly reduced damage factors such as displacement and drift. To reduce structural response to external forces, which can be accomplished through the use of special protective systems. So to prevent these damages, seismic isolation technique can be used for newly constructed structures. The time history analysis of the time domain on this structure is conducted by using SAP2000 software


2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 617-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andre Filiatrault ◽  
Peter S. Higgins ◽  
Assawin Wanitkorkul ◽  
James A. Courtwright ◽  
Robert Michael

This paper presents the results of uniaxial and triaxial shake table tests performed on directly anchored and base isolated steel pallet storage racks loaded with simulated and real merchandise. The new base isolation system provides seismic isolation in the cross-aisle direction of a rack only, while providing similar restraints as conventional bolted base plates in the down-aisle direction. The objective of the isolation in the cross-aisle direction is to reduce the horizontal accelerations of the rack in order to reduce content spillage and structural damage during a major seismic event, without interfering with normal material handling operations. Base isolation is not provided in the down-aisle direction since the range of down-aisle natural periods of typical rack structures is already similar to that of typical base isolated structures. The results of the seismic tests clearly demonstrated the improved structural performance of rack structures incorporating the new cross-aisle base isolation system. Cross-aisle absolute accelerations and interstory drifts of the base isolated rack structure were reduced considerably compared to the values measured in the same rack conventionally anchored at its base. The base isolation system also had an effect in reducing the down-aisle accelerations. The base isolated racks met the performance objectives recommended in the FEMA 460 document “Seismic Considerations for Steel Storage Racks Located in Areas Accessible to the Public” both for life safety under the Design Earthquake (DE) and for collapse prevention under the Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE).


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felice Carlo Ponzo ◽  
Antonio Di Cesare ◽  
Alessio Telesca ◽  
Alberto Pavese ◽  
Marco Furinghetti

Double Curved Concave Surface Sliders (DCCSS) are seismic isolators based on the pendulum principle widely used worldwide. Coherently with European code, DCCSS do not include any mechanical elements as end-stopper. In case of displacement higher than those associated with the design earthquakes, the inner slider runs on the edge of the sliding surfaces beyond their geometric displacement capacity keeping the ability to support gravity loads. In this paper, the advanced modelling and risk analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) base-isolated buildings designed for medium and high seismicity zones according to the Italian code has been assessed considering new construction and existing structures retrofitted using the seismic isolation technique. Pushover analyses and nonlinear dynamic analyses including inelastic superstructure behaviour and the over-stroke displacement of the isolation system have been carried out. Annual rates of failure are computed for Usability-Preventing Damage (UPD) related to the superstructure inter-storey drift and for Global Collapse (GC) associated with the ultimate displacement of the DCCSS. Moreover, the ultimate displacement is assumed with an extra-displacement of more than 30% of the maximum geometrical displacement. Results pointed out that in the case of new buildings the GC and UPD conditions occur almost at the same seismic intensity, while for the cases of the existing building, the UPD is the dominant limit state, being reached at an intensity level lower than GC.


2012 ◽  
Vol 446-449 ◽  
pp. 378-381
Author(s):  
Jian Min Jin ◽  
Ping Tan ◽  
Fu Lin Zhou ◽  
Yu Hong Ma ◽  
Chao Yong Shen

Mid-story isolation structure is developing from base isolation structures. As a complex structural system, the work mechanism of base isolation structure is not entirely appropriate for mid-story isolation structure, and the prolonging of structural natural period may not be able to decrease the seismic response of substructure and superstructure simultaneously. In this paper, for a four-story steel frame model, whose prototype first natural period is about 1s without seismic isolation design, the seismic responses and isolation effectiveness of mid-story isolation system with lead rubber bearing are studied experimentally by changing the location of isolation layer. Respectively, the locations of isolation layer are set at bottom of the first story, top of the first story, top of the second story and top of the third story. The results show that mid-story isolation can reduce seismic response in general, and substructure acceleration may be amplified.


Author(s):  
Kengo Goda ◽  
Osamu Furuya ◽  
Kohei Imamura ◽  
Kenta Ishihana

At the present, base isolation system has been recognized by general earthquake resistant technique since the Great Hanshin Earthquake 1995. The seismic isolation will be aggressively applied to not only architectural and civil structures but also various structures, because the effectiveness on seismic safety had been demonstrated again in the Great East Japan Earthquake. In generally, although the base isolation system is divided into laminated rubber bearing type and friction sliding bearing type. In the case of former type, shape factor, maximum or minimum outer shapes and so on are restricted by the material characteristics in visco-elastic material. In general, the isolation structure is used in high damping rubber. However, we pay attention to base isolation using urethane elastomer. Urethane elastomer has excellent elasticity, mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, weather resistance, oil resistance, impact resistance the absorbent, anti-vibration and excellent low-temperature properties. Furthermore, it is possible to impart various characteristics by a combination of isocyanate and polyol and chain extender, requires no large-scale apparatus, it has the advantage molecular design is easy. In previous study, the research and development of laminated type base isolation device using urethane elastomer was carried out to upgrade a seismic safety for various structures. The fundamental characteristics was investigated from several loading test by using various experimental devices, and the design formula for the stiffness and equivalent damping coefficient is formulated as an approximate expression of mechanical characteristics until now. It was confirmed that urethane elastomer is not hardening up to 500% shear strain. Moreover, the experimental examination for aged deterioration in the urethane material has been continuously carried out. As the results, it was confirmed that the laminated type seismic isolation device using urethane elastomer is possible to develop as a practicable device from the stable mechanical properties as considering in design step. In this study, the small-scale laminated type base isolation device using urethane elastomer is advanced to the direction of further technical upgrading and of scale down for light-weight structure as a sever rack. The first stage, basic properties of the urethane elastomer has been investigated by loading test. Furthermore, the design equation is created by loading test using urethane elastomer. The validity of the design equation has been confirmed. The second stage, the compression creep test with laminated type base isolation device has been investigated to confirm an effect on light-weight mechanical devices.


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