10th World Conference on Seismic Isolation, Energy Dissipation and Active Vibrations

Control of Structures, Istanbul, Turkey, May 27-30, 2007

BASE ISOLATION DESIGN MADE SIMPLE

D. Whittaker
Beca International Ltd., Wellington, New Zealand

ABSTRACT

Earthquake protection base-isolation systems should be simple, reliable and robust. Methods
for design of these systems should also be simple, so that good performance does not rely on
complex design calculations. This paper de-mystifies the technology by presenting a simple
methodology for the preliminary design of base-isolation systems. The methodology can be
used by practising engineers to design a base-isolation system in accordance with any
international earthquake design standard. Only the simple and well-known principles of
force-displacement behaviour, response spectra and the dynamic behaviour of a single
degree of freedom system are used. The key to this methodology is a simple graphical
presentation based on the Capacity Spectrum Method. The force-displacement response of
the base-isolation system can be plotted together with the seismic demands acceleration
versus displacement spectra. A simple iterative procedure is used to determine the operating
response acceleration and displacement for any assumed base-isolation configuration. The
methodology has been used for the preliminary design for a number of buildings and tested
by more detailed multi-modal dynamic analysis and time history analysis of large buildings.
An example is provided for design of a hospital building protected using base-isolators, in
accordance with the 1998 Turkish Earthquake Design Code.

1. INTRODUCTION

Base-isolation is now commonly used for earthquake protection of important buildings,

particularly those buildings that are required to remain functional after major earthquake
shaking. A recent example of a base-isolated facility that the author has been involved with
is the Wellington Regional Hospital, at present being constructed in New Zealand. Figure 1
shows typical lead rubber and slider isolation bearings installed in the hospital building.
This paper presents a simple design methodology suitable for preliminary design of
typical base-isolation systems. The methodology allows performance of the base-isolation
system to be tuned to control accelerations transmitted to the structure or to control
displacement demands in the base-isolation system, or a trade-off of these response
characteristics. The well-known principles of force-displacement behaviour, response
spectra, dynamics of single degree of freedom systems and displacement-based design
principles are used.
The methodology can be used by practising engineers to design base-isolation systems in
accordance with international earthquake design standards.
 Figure 1 Typical lead-rubber and slider isolation bearings installed in the new Wellington Hospital

The non-linear behaviour of the base-isolation system is simplified to an equivalent linear

single degree of freedom system with equivalent secant stiffness and viscous damping level,
as shown in Figure 2.

Force

F max
Fy K2

K1
Ke

Xy Xmax
Displacement

Area within loop represents

hysteretic damping

Figure 2 Force-displacement response of a bilinear isolation system

The superstructure above the isolation system is assumed to be rigid, which appears to be
a reasonable assumption if the effective period of the isolation system is at least three times
the first mode of the fixed-base structure.

2. CAPACITY SPECTRUM METHOD

The Capacity Spectrum Method (Chopra et al, 1999) can be used to provide a simple
graphical representation of the behaviour of a structural system together with the demands of
the design earthquake.
 Figure 3 shows typical acceleration response spectra, derived pseudo displacement
response spectra and the corresponding acceleration-displacement spectra, for an example
based on the Turkish code. This acceleration-displacement presentation of seismic spectra
provides more information than a response spectrum plotted as either acceleration or
displacement against period. Straight lines through the origin represent structures with
particular periods of vibration. The curves clearly illustrate the trade-off between
acceleration (force) response and displacement demand on structures.

1.0

1.0
MCE 10%
MCE 10%
0.8 MCE 20%
MCE 20%
0.8 MCE 30%

Pseudo Displacem ent (m )

MCE 30%
DBE 10%
Acceleration (g)

DBE 10% DBE 20%

0.6
0.6 DBE 20%
DBE 30%
DBE 30%

0.4
0.4

0.2 0.2

0.0 0.0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0
Period (sec) Period (sec)

1.0
MCE 10%
MCE 20%
0.8 MCE 30%
DBE 10%
DBE 20%
Acceleration (g)

DBE 30%
0.6
T= 1.0 sec
T= 2.0 sec
T= 3.0 sec
0.4
T= 4.0 sec

0.2

0.0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7

Displacement (m)

Figure 3 Acceleration, displacement and acceleration-displacement response spectra

The acceleration versus displacement response spectra presentation can be simply derived
from the more familiar acceleration response spectra. For a single degree of freedom pseudo
displacement response can be derived from spectral acceleration using Equation 1.

Sd = Sa/ω2 (1)
where Sd = Pseudo spectral displacement
Sa = Spectral acceleration
ω = natural circular frequency
2.1. Damping provided by Isolation System

Base-isolation systems allow significant damping to be introduced to structures resisting

earthquakes. Greater damping is beneficial as it reduces both displacement and force
demands. Seismic spectra for various damping levels can be determined according to
available empirical relationships. A representative response modification factor is
represented in Table 1 below for a range of effective damping levels up to 30% of critical.

Table 1 Typical scaling factor for damping level

Spectral Acceleration for damping level

5% 10% 20% 30%
1.00 0.80 0.60 0.50

For typical yielding or friction isolation systems the damping is hysteretic, and the
equivalent viscous damping level can be approximated from the area enclosed within the
force-displacement hysteresis loop of the base-isolation system. Assuming a bilinear force-
displacement behaviour as in Figure 2, the equivalent viscous damping provided by a steady-
state response of a bilinear hysteretic system is given by Equation 2.

ξh = 2 (Fy/Fmax-Dmax/Dy) /π (2)
where ξh = Equivalent viscous damping
Fy = Yield force of isolation system
Fmax = Maximum response force of isolation system
Dmax = Maximum response displacement of isolation system
Dy = Yield displacement of isolation system

2.2. Determination of System Operating Point

Using the principles of the Capacity Spectrum Method, the Force (acceleration) versus
displacement response of any structure can be superimposed on the acceleration-
displacement spectra. The operating response point of a particular structure will be where the
force-displacement characteristic intersects the demand spectrum with the appropriate
equivalent viscous damping level. Iteration is necessary but the procedure usually converges
within one or two iterations.
Two separate limit states are often used. For example, the Uniform Building Code method
refers to the Design Basis Earthquake (DBE) and the Maximum Capable Earthquake (MCE).
For each limit state the iteration process to determine the system operating point is as
follows:
1. The family of seismic spectral acceleration versus displacement spectra for various
damping levels, is determined.
2. A trial base-isolation system is assumed and the force-displacement behaviour is
determined.
3. An initial damping level is assumed (a good initial guess for many systems is 20%).
4. The estimated system operating point is at the intersection of the isolation force-
displacement curve and acceleration-displacement for the assumed damping level
spectrum (at either DBE or MCE limit state).
5. The equivalent viscous damping can then be updated from the ordinates of the
operating point using Equation 2.
6. Steps 4 and 5 are repeated until convergence is obtained.

The preliminary step of estimating a possible base-isolation arrangement can be done

easily with some experience and judgement. Initial sizing of bearings can be based on the
magnitude of vertical load supported and vertical stress limits for the selected bearing type.
For example, AASHTO gives limits for design of elastomeric bearings. The level of
horizontal displacement demand on the system can usually also be inferred directly from the
seismic demand spectra curves. The required proportions of bearing height and size can also
be related to displacement demands using simple rules of thumb or more detailed axial load
versus lateral displacement interaction relationships.

3. DETAILED ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

The above procedure is suitable for preliminary design and to size bearings and maximum
displacement demand. Detailed analysis and design of the system and superstructure
according to a recognised codified design procedure is recommended. The methods given in
the UBC code for design of base isolation systems can be used together with a selected
seismic design code. Detailed design will normally include dynamic analysis response
spectrum analysis to confirm the design forces and displacement in the isolation system,
foundation and superstructure. Time history analysis at the MCE level of shaking is a useful
method for checking the displacement demands on the isolation system. Ductility demands
on the superstructure can also be checked, and should be modest if the structure and isolation
system have been correctly proportioned.
This approach, based on the UBC methodology, was used by the author for the recently
designed Wellington Hospital building.

4. UNIVERSAL APPLICATION AND CODE COMPATIBILITY

Various seismic isolation technologies such as high damping rubber bearings, lead-rubber
isolators and slider/friction bearings can be represented using this approach. The suitability
and accuracy of analysis will depend on how well a bilinear response approximation can
represent the overall behaviour of the particular base-isolation system. This methodology has
recently been used is assessing likely performance of the Roglider, a new type of slider
bearing with an elastic restoring stiffness (Robinson et al 2006).
 The earthquake demand spectra for acceleration and displacement can be obtained by
various means, either from a code, or project-specific earthquake design spectra using a
deterministic method or probabilistic hazard methodology. The displacement demand spectra
can be determined from any suitable approach; either as pseudo displacement spectra derived
from the acceleration spectra, by empirical methods, or direct calculation of spectral
displacement spectra from ground motion records. Codes the author has used include those
from New Zealand, Turkey and India.

5. PRACTICAL EXAMPLES

5.1. Wellington Regional Hospital

The new Wellington Hospital building, shown in Figure 4 (a), when completed will provide
critical healthcare to the capital city of New Zealand and its surrounding region. The
building contains key clinical healthcare facilities that are required to remain functional after
a major earthquake event.

1.0

MCE 20% damping

MCE 30% damping
MCE 40% damping
0.8 DBE 20% damping
DBE 30% damping
DBE 40% damping
Isolator System Response
Acceleration (g)

0.6 Operating Point DBE

Operating Point MCE
T= 1.0 sec
T= 2.0 sec
T= 3.0 sec
0.4 T= 4.0 sec

0.2

0.0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
Displacement (m)

(a) Photo of model (b) - Estimated base-isolation behaviour

Figure 4 New Wellington Hospital

The building has seven storeys and approximately 50 000 m2 of total floor area, with
overall dimensions of approximately 150 m x 100 m. It is located in a highly seismic area,
within 5 km of an active earthquake fault that is expected to undergo major rupture on
average about once every 600 years. Site specific seismic hazard spectra were determined,
including allowance for near fault effects.
The Design Basis Earthquake (DBE) had a return period of 1 000 years and the Maximum
Capable Earthquake (MCE) 2 500 years. A seismic design methodology was developed
based on the UBC requirements for base-isolated buildings, together with the NZ loading
code and the NZ concrete design code for design of the main concrete frames, which are
designed and detailed as limited ductile elements.
 Preliminary design and selection of bearings was based on the method described in this
paper. Detailed analysis actions were determined using multi-modal dynamic analysis, and
time history analysis was used to check the displacement demands in the isolation system
and ductility demands in the superstructure.
The isolation system comprises 135 lead-rubber bearings and 156 slider bearings. The
system is designed for a maximum displacement of 600 mm. The performance of the base-
isolation system is summarised in Fig. 4(b).

5.2. Hospital in Turkey

The following example is for preliminary design of a base-isolation system for a hospital
(Importance Factor = 1.5) in Turkey Seismic Zone 2, according to the Turkish Seismic
Design Code. The estimated performance of the base-isolation system is summarised in Fig.
6. A maximum displacement demand in the bearings of up to approximately 500 mm is
predicted.

1.0
MCE 10%
MCE 20%
MCE 30%
0.8 DBE 10%
DBE 20%
DBE 30%
Base Isolator Response
Acceleration (g)

0.6 T= 1.0 sec

T= 2.0 sec
T= 3.0 sec
T= 4.0 sec
0.4 Operating Point DBE
Operating Point MCE

0.2

0.0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6

Displacement (m)

Figure 6 Hospital In Turkey - estimated base-isolation behaviour

6. SUMMARY

A simple and practical method for preliminary design of base-isolation systems for
earthquake protection of buildings has been presented. The approach has been used and
tested on design of real buildings. The method is approximate but is based on well-
understood and widely used dynamic analysis and seismic engineering principles, including
displacement-based design methods. The approach should be used in conjunction with code-
based seismic design methods for design of foundations and superstructures. Dynamic
analysis procedures should be used to determine detailed design actions on the isolation
system and structural elements, and also as a check on overall system response, including
force and displacement demands.
The principles described in this paper could be applied to any generic base-isolation
system.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author acknowledges Dunning Thornton Consultants, with whom the design of the
Wellington Hospital Building was done jointly.

REFERENCES

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) (1994),

LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.
Chopra, A.K. and Goel, R.K. (1999) Capacity-Demand Diagram Methods for Estimating
Seismic Deformation of Inelastic Structures: SDF Systems. Report No. PEER-
1999/02, Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center, University of California,
Berkeley.
International Conference of Building Officials, 1997, Uniform Building Code, Division IV -
Earthquake Regulations for Seismic Isolated Structures. Appendix, Chapter 16.
Ministry of Public Works and Settlement, Government of Republic of Turkey (1998)
Specification for Structures to be Built in Disaster Areas.
Robinson, W.H, Gannon, C.R. and Meyer, J. (2006) The RoGlider A Sliding Bearing with an
Elastic Restoring Force. Bulletin of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake
Engineering, Vol. 39 No. 1. March 2006.
Skinner, R.V., Robinson, W.H. and McVerry, G.H. (1994) An Introduction to Seismic
Isolation. John Wiley & Sons, New York, USA.