University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Investigation of a Seismic Base Isolation System Based on Pendular Action

Foutch, D.A.; Gambill, J.B.; Garza-Tamez, F.

Content Files
SRS-578.pdf

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/14195

Description

Title
Investigation of a Seismic Base Isolation System Based on Pendular Action
Author(s)
  • Foutch, D.A.
  • Gambill, J.B.
  • Garza-Tamez, F.
Issue Date
1993-08
Keyword(s)
  • GT-BIS
  • Seismic isolation
  • Energy dissipation system
  • earthquake motions
Date of Ingest
2009-11-09T23:52:31Z
Abstract
Experimental and analytical studies of a new seismic isolation and energy dissipation system for buildings were conducted. The system (GT-BIS) was developed by Federico Garza-Tamez of Monterrey, Mexico . The system is composed of four elements: (1) base isolation devices, (2) damping devices, (3) an adjustable clamp which can be used to adjust the effective length of the tension members, and (4) a single pin wind restraint disengaging device. The main components are the isolation devices. The base columns of the building are supported by cables, or rods, or other tension members which are attached to a small frame that encircles each column and rests on the foundation. With proper use of the clamping device the building response to an earthquake is like that of a single-degree-of-freedom pendulum. The clamps may be adjusted to achieve the desired period of vibration. The GT-BIS also employs a novel hydraulic damping system that very effectively dissipates seismic energy. The damping system is designed in such a way that it permits translation but inhibits torsional motion. The wind restraint device utilizes a spring loaded pin which does not allow relative displacement between the building and the foundation under wind loading but disengages when an earthquake occurs. Free vibration, sinusoidal and earthquake simulation tests of a l/8-scale model of a nine story building were conducted on the earthquake simulator at the US Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory located in Champaign, Illinois. As a results of these tests the following conclusions were made: 1. The GT -BIS isolation system is very effective at reducing the acceleration response and base shear of a building subjected to an earthquake. The base shears of the isolated model varied from 4 percent to 35 percent of those of the fixed base model.
Publisher
University of Illinois Engineering Experiment Station. College of Engineering. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Series/Report Name or Number
Civil Engineering Studies SRS-578
Type of Resource
text
Genre of Resource
Technical Report
Language
en
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/14195

Owning Collections

Civil Engineering Studies: Structural Research Series PRIMARY