Seismic Responses and Overturning Resistance Capacity of Base-Isolated Structures Under the Influence of Pounding Interactions with Adjacent Structures

Abstract

Seismic accelerations and interlayer displacements can be reduced by Laminated Rubber Bearings (LRBs) efficiently. Isolators would amplify the displacement of the superstructure by extending the natural period, thereby reducing acceleration and seismic damage. However, as a result, the risk of pounding with adjacent structures would be raised. This study investigated the seismic responses and overturning resistance capacity of base-isolated structures subjected to pounding against an adjacent structure. Parameter studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of gap size, pounding stiffness, and horizontal stiffness of the isolation layer. Results show that poundings are characterized by intense, short forces causing acceleration spikes, amplifying the overturning coefficient and risk. The overturning risk initially decreases then increases with gap size under pulse-like earthquakes, while wider gaps mitigate effects during non-pulse events. Increased pounding stiffness intensifies poundings, heightening vulnerability. The structure’s overturning resistance initially improves with increased horizontal stiffness of the isolation layer but declines excessively with further stiffness increase.