Shake table tests of a 1/4 scaled mass concentric three storey steel structure isolated by a hybrid passive control system

Abstract

Objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a hybrid isolation system for a three-storey mass concentric steel structure. The isolation system consists of 2 elastomeric bearings and 4 flat sliding bearings, which are located below the central and corner columns, respectively. A 1,4 scaled isolated model of the structure has been tested on a shake table under real earthquakes and sinusoidal base motions. Measurements were taken at structural points and at base slab level. Two types of high damping elastomeric bearings, one with low shear modulus and the other with high shear modulus, were tested to see the effects of different target isolation periods. A numerical model for the structure was developed and calibrated by the data from the experimental studies. In this dissertation effectiveness of the hybrid isolation system is verified by comparing the results obtained from isolated and fixed base models.