Seismic base isolation of structures using friction pendulum bearings

Abstract

Base isolation systems have become a significant element to enhance reliability during an earthquake. One type of base isolation system is Friction Pendulum Bearing in which the superstructure is isolated from the foundation using specially designed concave surfaces and bearings to allow swayunder its own natural period during the seismic events. Friction Pendulum Bearings are seismic isolation systems that have been as a kind of bridge, and building retrofit in numerous cases around the world. To assess their impact on structure performance, models are needed to capture the behavior of these highly nonlinear elements.