Reduce seismic forces transmitted to buildings.
Base isolators (lead-rubber, friction pendulum) lengthen the structure's period to reduce transmitted acceleration; dampers (viscous, friction, tuned mass) dissipate energy. Result: lower forces and damage. Used for hospitals, bridges and tall buildings.
A 660-tonne pendulum damper stabilises Taipei 101.
Base isolation and dampers reduce the forces that reach a building during earthquakes, which can protect both structure and contents.
Reduce seismic forces transmitted to buildings.
Base isolation and dampers reduce the forces that reach a building during earthquakes, which can protect both structure and contents.
Flexible bearings lengthen the period of the building, so the earthquake force transmitted above the isolators is much smaller.
They absorb energy as the structure moves, which reduces the response amplitude and the forces in the frame.
Typical applications include isolating a hospital on rubber bearings to protect equipment, adding viscous dampers to a tall building to reduce sway and protecting a museum with base isolation in an earthquake zone.
Study "Seismic design" first (topic 63 of 112 in Civil & Structural). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
Isolation period 2–4 s. Displacement capacity. Taipei 101's tuned mass damper.
A 660-tonne pendulum damper stabilises Taipei 101.
The next topic is "Tall building systems", which builds directly on this one.
It is classed as Intermediate in Civil & Structural (topic 64 of 112). It is an intermediate topic. Work through the beginner topics in Civil & Structural first.
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