A base isolation system is a popular system implemented in a structure to protect it from

the action of seismic forces. This system as base isolation bearings was developed by Dr.
Bill Robinson in the 1970s in New Zealand.

A base isolation system is used as a damage-resistant seismic design solution for both
new and retrofitted buildings. This system is hence named as seismic base isolation
system.

Working Principle of Base Isolation System

The fundamental principle of a base isolation system is to alter the response of the
building structure so that the ground below it can move easily without transmitting these
motion forces to the building structure above.This is achieved by separating or isolating
the superstructure from its substructure that is resting on a shaking ground. Thus the
structure has less effect due to earthquake forces.

The term "isolation" itself refers to the reduced action between the main structure and the
ground. When the system is provided under the structure, it is called "base isolation".

The base isolation system comes under passive vibration control technology in
earthquake engineering. It is a design strategy that serves the purpose of uncoupling the
structure from the damaging effects of the earthquake ground motion.

The decoupling action of the base isolation makes the building behave more flexible thus
increasing its resistance against the earthquake.

The principle can be more clearly explained by considering an example. Consider a

building resting over frictionless rollers. When the ground below the building is subjected
to shaking, the rollers start to freely roll, but the building stays above without any
movement.

This means that the ground shake does not pass any force to the building and the structure
stays safe. The example is illustrated in figure-2. It is to be noted that if the gap between
the vertical wall of the foundation pit and the building is small, there are chances of
collision with the movement of the ground.

Now, consider a case, where the above-mentioned building structure is placed above
flexible pads instead of rollers. This arrangement under a seismic force surely provides
resistance to the lateral movement, but the building experiences some amount of ground
shaking. These flexible pads are called base isolators".

A building structure that is protected against the seismic force by a base isolator is called
a" base-isolated building". The difference from the before case of rollers is that they
make the building stay stiff. But base isolators make the structure "flexible".

Components of Base Isolation System

A base isolation system mainly consists of two components:

1. Isolation Units
2. Isolation Components
1. Isolation Units

An isolation unit is the basic component of the isolation system that performs of
decoupling effect to the building structure or the non-building structure.

2. Isolation Components

The isolation components are the connection units between the isolation units mentioned
before. These components do not contribute to the decoupling process.

Features of Base Isolation System

The important features of a base isolation system are enlisted below:
 1. A base isolation technology introduces flexibility to the structure.
2. The ground motion results in an acceleration in the base-isolated building that is equal to the
ground acceleration. This hence results in zero relative displacements between the building
structure and the ground.
3. A rigid structure is said to have zero periods. A flexible structure possesses an infinite period.
A base-isolated building is a flexible structure that has zero acceleration.
4. Incorporating an isolator into a building provide additional means of energy dissipation. This
hence reduces the acceleration that is transmitted into the superstructure.

Suitability of Base Isolation System in Buildings

Base isolation is suitable for the structures satisfying the following conditions:

1. The subsoil in the site does not possess a predominant long period during the ground motion.
2. The site have the ability to permit a horizontal displacement in the range of 200mm or
greater.
3. The lateral loads experienced in the structure due to wind action is approximately lesser than
ten percent by weight of the whole structure
4. For those structures that are fairly jointed by a sufficient high column load, this system is the
best suitable.

Locations of Base Isolators in Buildings

Generally, the isolators are installed at the top or bottom or mid-height of the building
basements columns and the walls. If not, a diaphragm is immediately placed above the
isolator.

The placement of base isolators must be done in such a way that the building must be
able to move horizontally relative to the below ground for a distance not less than
100mm.

Figure-4 below shows some of the possible locations of the base isolators near the
substructure.
The use of seismic isolators is a design method that involves inserting a flexible element at the
base of the structure to decouple its movement from that of the ground to reduce vulnerability to
earthquakes. They also make it possible to reduce the demand for force and deformation on the
various structural elements. The aim of this research is to evaluate the contribution of HDRB
high damping elastomeric seismic isolators in the reduction of seismic forces. It also consists in
comparing the results of the dynamic analysis of the two fixed base structures in frames or
frames braced by shear walls with the isolated structure mounted on an HDRB elastomer system
and subjected to the same seismic excitation using the SAP 2000 calculation software. The
results obtained showed an attenuation in the accelerations, a lengthening of the period, strong
reduction in displacements and a reduction in the shearing force at the base of the isolated
structure compared to fixed base structures.

1 Introduction

The conventional approach to protecting buildings against earthquakes is to increase resistance

and or ductility by reinforcing the structure or repairing damaged elements, in order to withstand
significant loads by developing plastic hinges at well-determined places to dissipate energy by
inelastic deformations. This approach is not entirely effective because of the amplification of the
seismic solicitations transmitted to the buildings. The reduction of seismic forces is the most
effective approach because it aims to partially shield the structure from the seismic action rather
than reinforce it so that it can withstand high loads. To this end, the use of seismic protection and
isolation systems makes it possible to decouple the structure from ground movements induced by
an earthquake in order to prevent the occurrence of damage. The insulation at the base consists in
putting between the foundation and the superstructure seismic isolators which absorb the seismic
energy due to their nonlinear responses and they have a very important horizontal deformability
to be able to dissipate the deformation transmitted to the construction and a very high vertical
rigidity to support the weight of the structure. It also makes it possible to increase the
fundamental period (Figure 1) and reduce the vibration frequency of the structure in order to
avoid the phenomenon of resonance 1. Many variables may have different effects on the
performance of the buildings particularly the ones with irregularities such as torsion. Force-based
method (FBD) and displacement-based method (DBD) have been commonly used to evaluate the
performance of the structures. The DBD method may give more realistic prediction of damage
levels where this method directly provides plastic hinge deformations for the target
displacement. Through combining this method to the capacity design principles, nonductile
formations can be avoided and more economical outcomes can be achieved [12]. With seismic
insulators, a potentially high level of protection of buildings compared to conventional
techniques can be achieved with in addition, the realization of savings on project costs 2. The
insulation technique is not reserved for new structures; on the contrary, one of its main
advantages is that it can be applied very well to the seismic rehabilitation of existing
constructions 3.

2 Behavior of Seismic Isolators

Seismic isolation is about providing a discontinuity between the foundation and the
superstructure, so that the seismic energy cannot be fully transmitted to the superstructure. It
induces a significant reduction in the acceleration of the upper floors and inter-floor movements.
Therefore, it ensures the protection of the structure. According to their mode of operation,
seismic supports can be classified into several categories 4: • Deformation supports: in lead low
damping rubber bearing (LDRB), lead rubber bearing (LRB) and in high damping rubber bearing
(HDRB). • Deformation and sliding supports. • Bearing supports.

2.1 Deformation Supports

They are made of hooped elastomer: alternating layers of elastomer, natural rubber, or synthetic
elastomer and of hoops in the form of metal plates. The horizontal deformability is ensured by
the elastomer layers and the vertical rigidity of the supports is ensured by the presence of the
hoops. They allow horizontal flexibility and greatly reduce the relative displacement of floors. In
case of the more flexible of elastomers, a lower seismic load felt by the building. But too much
flexibility of the supports considerably reduces the stability of the structure in normal times 5.
We distinguish: • Support in lead low damping rubber bearing (LDRB): these isolators consist of
two thick steel end plates and many thick steel shims. The behavior of the material in shear is
completely linear up to shear stresses greater than 100%, with damping of around 2% to 3% of
critical damping 6. • Support in lead rubber bearing (LRB): the elastomer base isolator with
lead bar is rather flexible in the horizontal direction, but quite rigid in the vertical direction
(Figure 2). It prolongs the period of the structure and allows energy dissipation. The normal
recommended period for optimal performance is between 1.5 and 2.5 sec 7. • Support in high
damping rubber bearing (HDRB): In this type supports, the elastomer used provides a significant
amount of damping, usually from 8% to 15% of critical damping. It is vertically rigid, capable of
supporting vertical gravity loads while being laterally flexible and capable of allowing large
horizontal displacements (Figure 3).

2.2 Sliding Supports

These are two separate blocks that slide relative to each other and allow the decoupling of the
movements of the superstructure from those of the foundation elements by means of a sliding
interface which dissipates seismic energy by friction (Figure 4). They can be used with both light
and massive structures, because their period depends only on the radius of curvature. They can
also support a high vertical load and provide more than 30% damping 8. Slip-based isolator
systems are frequently applied in constructions and walkways because of its advantages, listed
below, compared to conventional rubber bearings: • The non-influence of the input frequency on
this system. • The torsional effects produced by asymmetric construction are reduced due to the
coincidence of the center of mass of the structure and that of the sliding supports.

2.3 Deformation and Sliding Supports

It is formed by the association of sliding plates and deformation supports. This system leads to a
reduction in both acceleration and displacement of the Superstructure and thus leads to a
significant decrease in shear forces at the base. This is particularly advantageous in the case of
constructions on deep foundations, more sensitive to shear than superficial foundations.
3 Modeling of Seismic Isolator
Based on Elastomer Fretted elastomers have the ability to both increase the natural period of the
structure and dissipate energy so as to limit displacement. These devices can withstand very high
shear strains. The various parameters which characterize the behavior law of the isolator are
(Figure 6): elastic rigidity Ke, horizontal elastoplastic rigidity Kd, the effective stiffness at
maximum displacement Keff, plasticization resistance Qd, plasticizing displacement Dy and
design displacement Du.

The seismic isolators will be modeled in the SAP2000 software, using "Link Element" with
hysteretic behavior of an elastomeric isolator. The bidirectional hysteritic model adopted with a
bilinear behavior coupled in shear (Figure 7) is based on the model of Wen 9.

LINK 1

K, N. S. (2019, November 17). What is Base Isolation System in Building Construction?

Dr. Bill Robinson developed a base isolation system in the 1970s in New Zealand to protect
structures from seismic forces, used in damage-resistant seismic design for new and retrofitted
buildings.

A base isolation system is a passive vibration control technology in earthquake engineering that
separates the superstructure from its substructure, allowing the ground below to move easily
without transmitting motion forces to the building above. This reduces the structure's effect due
to earthquake forces. The decoupling action of base isolation makes the building more flexible,
increasing its resistance against earthquakes. An example is a building resting on frictionless
rollers, which remains above the ground without movement. Base isolators, placed above
flexible pads, provide resistance to lateral movement but also allow some ground shaking. Base-
isolated buildings are protected against seismic force.
Base Isolation is composed of 2 components which are Isolation Components and Isolation
Units. An isolation unit is the basic component of the isolation system that performs of
decoupling effect to the building structure or the non-building structure. The isolation
components are the connection units between the isolation units mentioned before. These
components do not contribute to the decoupling process.

A base isolation system introduces flexibility to a structure, resulting in zero relative

displacements between the building and ground. It has an infinite period, unlike rigid structures
with zero periods. An isolator reduces acceleration transmitted into the superstructure.

Base isolation is ideal for structures with subsoil that doesn't have a long ground motion period,
horizontal displacement of 200mm or more, and wind-induced lateral loads less than 10%. It's
best for structures with high column loads.

Isolators are typically installed at the top, bottom, or mid-height of building basement columns
and walls, allowing the building to move horizontally relative to the ground for at least 100mm.

LINK 2
Madi, R., & Bordjiba, A. (2023). The use of seismic isolators to improve building performance.

This research evaluates the effectiveness of HDRB high damping elastomeric seismic isolators in
reducing seismic forces. It compares dynamic analysis of fixed base structures with isolated
structures mounted on an HDRB elastomer system. Results show attenuation in accelerations,
lengthening of periods, reduction in displacements, and reduced shearing force at the base of the
isolated structure compared to fixed base structures.

The conventional approach to earthquake protection involves reinforcing or repairing damaged

elements to increase resistance and ductility. However, this approach is not entirely effective due
to the amplification of seismic solicitations. The most effective approach is to reduce seismic
forces, which partially shield the structure from seismic action. This is achieved through seismic
protection and isolation systems, which decouple the structure from ground movements induced
by an earthquake. The insulation at the base consists of seismic isolators that absorb seismic
energy, increase fundamental period, and reduce vibration frequency to avoid resonance. Force-
based and displacement-based methods are commonly used to evaluate the performance of
structures.

Seismic isolation creates a gap between foundation and superstructure, preventing seismic
energy transmission, reducing upper floor acceleration and inter-floor movements. Seismic
supports, classified into deformation, sliding, and bearing types, ensure structure protection by
reducing acceleration.

Supports made of hooped elastomer, consisting of alternating layers of elastomer, natural rubber,
or synthetic elastomer and metal plates, ensure horizontal deformability and vertical rigidity.
They allow horizontal flexibility and reduce floor displacement, but too much flexibility can
reduce structure stability. Supports are divided into three types: support in lead low damping
rubber bearing (LDRB), support in lead rubber bearing (LRB), and support in high damping
rubber bearing (HDRB). Each type has different characteristics, such as horizontal flexibility,
vertical rigidity, and horizontal displacement.

Slip-based isolator systems are blocks that slide relative to each other, allowing the decoupling
of superstructure movements from foundation elements. They can support high vertical loads and
provide over 30% damping. Compared to conventional rubber bearings, slip-based isolator
systems have advantages such as non-influence of input frequency and reduced torsional effects.

The system of sliding plates and deformation supports reduces the acceleration and displacement
of the superstructure, reducing shear forces at the base, especially in deep foundations.

Fretted elastomers increase structure natural period and limit displacement, withstand high shear
strains. They have various parameters like elastic rigidity, horizontal elastoplastic rigidity,
effective stiffness, plasticization resistance, and design displacement. Seismic isolators will be
modeled using SAP2000 software, using a bidirectional hysteritic model.
SUMMARIZED

The conventional approach to earthquake protection involves reinforcing or repairing damaged

elements to increase resistance and ductility. However, this approach is not entirely effective due
to the amplification of seismic solicitations. The most effective approach is to reduce seismic
forces, which partially shield the structure from seismic action. This is achieved through seismic
protection and isolation systems, which decouple the structure from ground movements induced
by an earthquake. The insulation at the base consists of seismic isolators that absorb seismic
energy, increase fundamental period, and reduce vibration frequency to avoid resonance. Force-
based and displacement-based methods are commonly used to evaluate the performance of
structures.

Based on these studies and article, base isolation system is a passive vibration control technology
in earthquake engineering that separates the superstructure from its substructure, allowing the
ground below to move easily without transmitting motion forces to the building above. This
reduces the structure's effect due to earthquake forces. The decoupling action of base isolation
makes the building more flexible, increasing its resistance against earthquakes. An example is a
building resting on frictionless rollers, which remains above the ground without movement. Base
isolators, placed above flexible pads, provide resistance to lateral movement but also allow some
ground shaking. Base-isolated buildings are protected against seismic force.
Seismic isolation creates a gap between foundation and superstructure, preventing seismic
energy transmission, reducing upper floor acceleration and inter-floor movements. Seismic
supports, classified into deformation, sliding, and bearing types, ensure structure protection by
reducing acceleration.

The study and article also discussed factors such as placement of these base isolators, suitability
and the types of isolators and dampers. It elaborates analytical computations of each isolator
design containing its’ elasticity, stability, bearing, shear, and other characteristics. It contained
detailed analysis and modelling of base isolators with comprehensive computation.

FINDINGS

Base Isolation is composed of 2 components which are Isolation Components and Isolation
Units. An isolation unit is the basic component of the isolation system that performs of
decoupling effect to the building structure or the non-building structure. The isolation
components are the connection units between the isolation units mentioned before. These
components do not contribute to the decoupling process.

It introduces flexibility to a structure, resulting in zero relative displacements between the

building and ground. It has an infinite period, unlike rigid structures with zero periods. An
isolator reduces acceleration transmitted into the superstructure.

Base isolation is ideal for structures with subsoil that doesn't have a long ground motion period,
horizontal displacement of 200mm or more, and wind-induced lateral loads less than 10%. It's
best for structures with high column loads.

Isolators are typically installed at the top, bottom, or mid-height of building basement columns
and walls, allowing the building to move horizontally relative to the ground for at least 100mm.

Supports made of hooped elastomer, consisting of alternating layers of elastomer, natural rubber,
or synthetic elastomer and metal plates, ensure horizontal deformability and vertical rigidity.
They allow horizontal flexibility and reduce floor displacement, but too much flexibility can
reduce structure stability. Supports are divided into three types: support in lead low damping
rubber bearing (LDRB), support in lead rubber bearing (LRB), and support in high damping
rubber bearing (HDRB). Each type has different characteristics, such as horizontal flexibility,
vertical rigidity, and horizontal displacement.
Slip-based isolator systems are blocks that slide relative to each other, allowing the decoupling
of superstructure movements from foundation elements. They can support high vertical loads and
provide over 30% damping. Compared to conventional rubber bearings, slip-based isolator
systems have advantages such as non-influence of input frequency and reduced torsional effects.

The system of sliding plates and deformation supports reduces the acceleration and displacement
of the superstructure, reducing shear forces at the base, especially in deep foundations.

Fretted elastomers increase structure natural period and limit displacement, withstand high shear
strains. They have various parameters like elastic rigidity, horizontal elastoplastic rigidity,
effective stiffness, plasticization resistance, and design displacement. Seismic isolators will be
modeled using SAP2000 software, using a bidirectional hysteritic model.

K, N. S. (2019, November 17). What is Base Isolation System in Building Construction?

Madi, R., & Bordjiba, A. (2023). The use of seismic isolators to improve building performance.

SUMMARY OF STUDIES FINDINGS

The conventional approach to earthquake Base Isolation is composed of 2 components
protection involves reinforcing or repairing which are Isolation Components and Isolation
damaged elements to increase resistance and Units. An isolation unit is the basic component
ductility. However, this approach is not of the isolation system that performs
entirely effective due to the amplification of decoupling effects to the building structure or
seismic solicitations. The most effective the non-building structure. The isolation
approach is to reduce seismic forces, which components are the connection units between
partially shield the structure from seismic the isolation units mentioned before. These
action. This is achieved through seismic components do not contribute to the decoupling
protection and isolation systems, which process.
decouple the structure from ground
movements induced by an earthquake. The It introduces flexibility to a structure, resulting
insulation at the base consists of seismic in zero relative displacements between the
isolators that absorb seismic energy, building and ground. It has an infinite period,
increase fundamental period, and reduce unlike rigid structures with zero periods. An
vibration frequency to avoid resonance. isolator reduces acceleration transmitted into
Force-based and displacement-based the superstructure.
methods are commonly used to evaluate the
performance of structures.
 Base isolation is ideal for structures with
Based on these studies and article, base subsoil that doesn't have a long ground motion
isolation system is a passive vibration period, horizontal displacement of 200mm or
control technology in earthquake more, and wind-induced lateral loads less than
engineering that separates the superstructure 10%. It's best for structures with high column
from its substructure, allowing the ground loads.
below to move easily without transmitting
motion forces to the building above. This Isolators are typically installed at the top,
reduces the structure's effect due to bottom, or mid-height of building basement
earthquake forces. The decoupling action of columns and walls, allowing the building to
base isolation makes the building more move horizontally relative to the ground for at
flexible, increasing its resistance against least 100mm.
earthquakes. An example is a building
resting on frictionless rollers, which remains
above the ground without movement. Base
isolators, placed above flexible pads,
provide resistance to lateral movement but
also allow some ground shaking. Base-
isolated buildings are protected against Supports made of hooped elastomer, consisting
seismic force. of alternating layers of elastomer, natural
rubber, or synthetic elastomer and metal plates,
Seismic isolation creates a gap between ensure horizontal deformability and vertical
foundation and superstructure, preventing rigidity. They allow horizontal flexibility and
seismic energy transmission, reducing upper reduce floor displacement, but too much
floor acceleration and inter-floor flexibility can reduce structure stability.
movements. Seismic supports, classified into Supports are divided into three types: support
deformation, sliding, and bearing types, in lead low damping rubber bearing (LDRB),
ensure structure protection by reducing support in lead rubber bearing (LRB), and
acceleration. support in high damping rubber bearing
(HDRB). Each type has different
The study and article also discussed factors characteristics, such as horizontal flexibility,
such as placement of these base isolators, vertical rigidity, and horizontal displacement.
suitability and the types of isolators and
dampers. It elaborates analytical Slip-based isolator systems are blocks that slide
computations of each isolator design relative to each other, allowing the decoupling
containing its’ elasticity, stability, bearing, of superstructure movements from foundation
shear, and other characteristics. It contained elements. They can support high vertical loads
detailed analysis and modelling of base and provide over 30% damping. Compared to
isolators with comprehensive computation. conventional rubber bearings, slip-based
isolator systems have advantages such as non-
influence of input frequency and reduced
torsional effects.

The system of sliding plates and deformation

supports reduces the acceleration and
 displacement of the superstructure, reducing
shear forces at the base, especially in deep
foundations.

Fretted elastomers increase structure natural

period and limit displacement, withstand high
shear strains. They have various parameters
like elastic rigidity, horizontal elastoplastic
rigidity.

APPLICATION TO THE STUDY

Given the seismic activity in the region, the project will incorporate Base Isolation to ensure
the structural integrity which is a paramount importance when it comes to one of the project’s
goals which is Disaster Resiliency. Base Isolation is a proven seismic technique that can
effectively mitigate the impact of seismic forces on structures. By decoupling the building
from the ground motion, Base Isolation reduces the transfer of seismic energy into the
structure, thus minimizing damage and ensuring occupant safety.

The project will consider using Slip-based Isolator system and Fretted Elastomers in order to
ensure the project’s reduced displacement and shear force at the foundation, and increase
structural period limit displacement.