Modelling and Seismic Response Analysis of Existing Italian Residential RC Buildings Retrofitted by Seismic Isolation

ABSTRACT

The seismic performance of existing RC frame buildings seismically retrofitted by base isolation is examined. Two different types of isolation systems are considered, i.e.: rubber-based and friction-based isolation systems, respectively. Two different performance levels are examined, namely: Global collapse prevention and Usability preventing damage. Seismic performance is assessed by multi-stripe nonlinear time-history analysis, considering earthquake intensity levels with return period ranging from 10 to 100000 years. Results point out that seismic isolation works effectively in limiting damage well beyond the design limit state level while it shows a limited margin with respect to collapse beyond the design limit state level.

KEYWORDS:

• Seismic isolation
• existing RC frame buildings
• high damping rubber bearings
• curved surface sliding isolators
• advanced numerical modelling
• seismic performance

Acknowledgments

The study presented in this article was developed within the activities of the ReLUIS-DPC 2019-2021 research program, funded by the Italian Dept. of Civil Protection. The authors are grateful to Prof. Iunio Iervolino (University of Naples, Federico II) for his valuable assistance in deriving hazard curves and for the helpful discussion on risk assessment.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).