Seismically isolated structures vs fixed-based structures: Shaking table tests on the inelastic response of the superstructure for different seismic hazard levels

Abstract

This paper presents a comparison between the inelastic behavior of seismically isolated structures and fixed-based structures subjected to extreme, above-design earthquake events. The comparison is performed through a large-scale shaking table investigation of the seismic behavior of a steel structure with a concentrated mass on top. The steel structure is seismically isolated using four friction pendulum bearings. The variability in the inelastic response of the seismically isolated structure and the corresponding fixed-based structure are shown for three repetitions of the same ground motion and through the excitation of both structures by a ground motion ensemble, corresponding to three different, above-design seismic hazard levels.