The Effect of Seismic Isolation on a Fixed Structure Building

Abstract

Seismic isolation (otherwise known as base isolation) is a system built into the base of a building to prevent damage during earthquakes. This paper will explain in detail what seismic isolation is and how it is implemented. It will then go over how to evaluate the specific variables and calculations needed to apply this system into a building and maximize its protection. The calculations and variables needed to model a fixed building vs a seismically isolated building are shown and implemented into a software called SAP2000. This is used to show how a building holds under certain circumstances when it is fixed vs when seismic isolation has been implemented.