Effect of Base Isolator on Seismic Force Reduction

Abstract

Earthquakes pose a significant threat to buildings and infrastructure, resulting in extensive destruction and loss of life. Engineers and architects have devised novel techniques to improve the resilience of structures during earthquakes. This project centers on Base Isolator technology, comparing the seismic responses of analogous structures with and without Base Isolators. A base isolator is a device or technology that can significantly diminish seismic forces. The devices are engineered to ensure that these structures are protected against seismic effects. Typically installed between a building's foundation and superstructure, these devices serve as a buffer between the higher and lower sections of the structure, allowing for independent movement during an earthquake, thereby excluding ground influence. Base isolators have demonstrated efficacy in reducing the impacts of seismic occurrences and are extensively utilized in earthquake-prone areas globally. This study examines the impact of base isolators on irregular multistory buildings by doing seismic analysis using ETABS software. The comparison of the effects of base isolators on story displacement, drift, story shear, overturning moment, lateral load, and response spectrum curve of various irregular multistoried structures with their non-base isolated counterparts indicates the potential of base isolators to enhance the resilience of existing buildings and infrastructure in earthquake-prone regions.