In this study, the multihazard response of code-designed conventional and base-isolated steel frame buildings is evaluated using nonlinear response history analysis. The results of hazard and structural response analysis for 3-story moment-resisting frame buildings are presented in this paper. Three-dimensional models for both buildings are created, and seismic response is assessed for three scenario earthquakes. The response history analysis results indicate that the performance of the isolated building is superior to the conventional building in the design event. However, for the Maximum Considered Earthquake, the presence of outliers in the response data reduces confidence that the isolated building provides superior performance to its conventional counterpart. The potential causes of the outliers have been carefully evaluated.
Current design codes generally use an equivalent linear approach for preliminary design of a seismic isolation system. The equivalent linear approach is based on effective parameters, rather than physical parameters of the system, and may not accurately account for the nonlinearity of the isolation system. This article evaluates an alternative normalized strength characterization against the equivalent linear characterization. Considerations for evaluation include: (1) ability to effectively account for variations in ground motion intensity; (2) ability to effectively describe the energy dissipation capacity of the isolation system; and (3) conducive to developing design equations that can be implemented within a code framework.
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