The design of R/C framed buildings with non-linear isolation systems

In this paper a parametric study on R/C base isolated building structures with different types of non linear devices is presented. Devices having high dissipation capacity, typically based on the hysteresis of steel or of lead, or/and re-centring capacity, based on shape memory alloys, are considered. The seismic response is evaluated by means of non-linear dynamic analyses using artificially generated accelerograms (EC8, soil type B). The performances of the structural system are examined and compared on the basis of some response parameters (maximum and residual displacements and ductility demands in the isolation system, maximum stresses and drifts in the R/C structure). The results show that SMA-based isolation systems have better overall performances than Steel Hysteresis-based isolation systems, as well as reduced structural costs