Abstract
Random response of linear Base Isolated Systems, mounted on elastomeric bearings, subject to horizontal random excitations, is analyzed in comparison with the one of the fixed-base structures. Considering the superstructure motion described by its first modal contribution, a two-degree-of-freedom equivalent linear model, under stationary Gaussian excitations modelled by the modified Kanai-Tajimi power density spectrum, has been used in the analysis. The response sensitivity to design parameters for the superstructure and the isolators have been evaluated for a wide range of parameters. Optimum viscous damping and isolation degree values which minimize structural response are also obtained. Some implications of these results for the design and code requirements are discussed.
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