SEISMIC ISOLATION

EFFECTSEISMIC
OF THEPROTECTION
EARTHQUAKESTRATEGY

EFFECTSEISMIC
OF THEPROTECTION
EARTHQUAKESTRATEGY

SEISMIC PROTECTION STRATEGY

SEISMIC ACTION
The seismic action is represented by accelerograms that define the ground
acceleration vs time

SEISMIC PROTECTION STRATEGY

SEISMIC ACTION
In the case of a single DOF mass the seismic action can be represented by the
Response Spectrum that defines the acceleration vs. the natural period of vibration

T 2

M
K

SEISMIC PROTECTION STRATEGY

SEISMIC ACTION
The Elastic Response Spectrum give the acceleration of the structure in function of
the following parameters:
The geographic position;
The Earthquake Return Period (500 750 2475 years);
The ground type;
The ground morphology;
The equivalent viscous damping of the structure (capacity of dissipating energy
- Ductility);

SEISMIC PROTECTION STRATEGY

SEISMIC ACTION

The geographic position

SEISMIC PROTECTION STRATEGY

SEISMIC ACTION

Elastic Response Spectrum (P100-2006)

Max Amplification
Factor

Reduction factor due to

the equivalent viscous
damping

Design Response
Spectrum

Basic
Acceleration

SEISMIC PROTECTION STRATEGY

SEISMIC ACTION

Elastic Response Spectrum (P100-2006)

SEISMIC PROTECTION STRATEGY

Response Spectrum depending on the damping

DESIGNSEISMIC PROTECTION STRATEGY

Design approach according to European Standard (EN 1998)
CAPACITY DESIGN
The earthquake energy is absorbed by the structure with plastic
deformation:

The structure will be damaged (plastic hinges);

The design follows principles of high ductility;
The stability is obtained increasing the structural resistance;

The serviceability is not granted after a seismic event;

DESIGNSEISMIC PROTECTION STRATEGY

Design approach according to European Standard (EN 1998)
SEISMIC ISOLATION
The seismic effects are reduced and the design will be made without
plastic deformation:
The structure will NOT be damaged (NO plastic hinges)
The design DOES NOT follow principles of high ductility
The stability is NOT obtained increasing the structural resistance
The serviceability is not granted after a seismic event

DESIGNSEISMIC PROTECTION STRATEGY

Design approach according to European Standard (EN 1998)
SEISMIC ISOLATION
The seismic effects are reduced and the design will be made without
plastic deformation:
The structure is designed to remain ELASTIC under REDUCED ACTIONS

DAMAGES are concentrated only in the SEISMIC DEVICES

EFFECT OF A BASE ISOLATION SYSTEM

The base isolation is the only way to

protect both the structure and the
non-structural parts and its contents

EFFECT OF A BASE ISOLATION SYSTEM

Not Isolated Building

Isolated Building

EFFECT OF A BASE ISOLATION SYSTEM

Fire Protection

Piping
Gap cover

Details of non-structural elements

SEISMIC PROTECTION STRATEGY

The strategy is very clear looking at the shape of the response spectrum
Increasing the Natural Period of the structure
Introducing Energy Dissipation

Generally both strategies are used in combination

SEISMIC PROTECTION STRATEGY

Increase the Natural Period of the structure
Inserting between structures and foundations an oscillator that forces the
structure to move mainly according to the natural mode of the oscillator
Spring of constant K

M
T 2
K

Pendulum of length l

l
T 2
g

SEISMIC PROTECTION STRATEGY

Energy Dissipation is obtained by:
Friction
Metals Yielding

Fluid or Rubber Viscosity

All types of energy dissipation produce a heat equivalent to the
dissipated energy

SEISMIC PROTECTION STRATEGY

Displacement Spectrum depending on the damping

RE-CENTERING OF THE ISOLATION SYSTEM

Energy dissipation and Re-centering capability are two antithetic functions.

Energy approach:
the re-centering capability of a seismic isolation system is based on a
comparison between the energy stored by the system in a reversible form
ES (elastic, potential etc.) and the one hysteretically dissipated EH.

Ei = ES + EH + EV
The energy EV dissipated by viscous damping does not participate in the
re-centering process.

RE-CENTERING OF THE ISOLATION SYSTEM

According to EN 15129

Es 0,25Eh
Where:
Es is the reversibly stored energy
Eh is the dissipated energy

FUNCTIONS OF A BASE ISOLATION SYSTEM

Seismic Isolators are devices providing four functions:

Support the vertical load

Provide lateral flexibility

Provide a restoring force

Damp the energy

THE STANDARDS FOR THE ANTISEISMIC DEVICES

In Europe:

EN 1998 (Eurocode 8)
EN 1337 Structural Bearings
EN 15129 European Standard for Antiseismic Devices
In USA:
AASHTO LRFD Guide Specification for Seismic Isolation Design

DISPLACEMENT ACCORDING TO EN 15129

The seismic displacement obtained from a dynamic analysis shall be
combinated with the displacements due to other causes.
The maximum displacement is calculated by the sum of the displacements
due to:
Permanent actions
Long term deformations (Creep & Shrinkage)
50% Thermic Displacement

150% Seismic Displacement

(Bridges)

120% Seismic Displacement

(Buildings)

TYPE ORIENTED CLASSIFICATION OF ANTI-SEISMIC

DEVICES
- HDRB (High Damping Rubber Bearings)
- LRB (Lead Rubber Bearings)

- Sliding Pendulum Isolators

- Hydraulic Devices
Viscous Dampers

Shock Transmission Units STU

- Hysteretic Devices

Hysteretic dampers
Hysteretic bracings

PERFORMANCE ORIENTED CLASSIFICATION OF

ANTISEISMIC DEVICES (ACCORDING TO EN15129)
Rigid connection devices
Restraints (Dowels and Guides)
Hydraulic connecting devices

STU

Displacement Dependent Devices

Linear Devices
Non Linear Devices
HY
Velocity Dependent Devices

FD

Isolators
Sliders
Rubber Bearings (High or Low Damping)
Sliding Pendulum

THE COMPLETE STRUCTURE OF EN 15129

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Scope
Normative references
Terms and definitions, symbols and abbreviations
General design rules
Rigid connection devices
Displacement dependant devices
Velocity dependant devices
Isolators
Combination of devices
Evaluation of conformity
Installation
In-service inspection

THE MAIN CONCEPTS OF EN 15129

As far as possible the standard shall be performance oriented;
Devices shall be CE marked;
Prototype tests are required on at least on 2 prototypes;
Factory production control tests shall be performed on a certain
percentage of the manufactured devices;
CE marking

It is mandatory in all CEN Countries (28 European states);

It implies regular audits of the manufacturer by a Notified Body;
Manufacturers shall certify the conformity;
Devices can freely circulate in all CEN Countries;

CE MARKING INFORMATION TO BE REPORTED

CE Mark
Identification N. of the Notified Body
Address of the manufacturer
Year
CE conformity certificate Number
Reference Standard
Device identification Number
Characteristics of the device

0123-CPD-0001
Any Co Ltd, PO Box 21, B-1050
01
0123-CPD-0456
EN 15129:2010
DEVICE N
High Damping Rubber Bearing
Characteristic load bearing resistance (kN)
Characteristic rotation capacity (rad)
Horizontal Distorsion capability (mm)
Durability: conforming

CE MARKING
In CEN countries seismic devices shall be provided by the CE mark respecting all
the requirements of the EN 15129.
In order to obtain the CE mark for a product the supplier shall perform:
The Factory Production Control (initial inspections, check of the used materials,
periodic audits, )
The execution of the type tests with the presence of a Notified Body
At the end of this process the Notified Body release the Certificate of
Conformity (CE MARK)
Every time that the material, the load, the displacement or one of the design
parameters is changed more than a defined % only the type testing shall be
repeated.
After completion of succesful type tests the extension of the CE mark for the new
parameters is obtained

CE - CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY
HDRB and LRB

CE - CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY
FD and STU

CE - CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY
Friction Pendulum

CE - CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY
Hysteretic bracings (E-PAD)

TESTING ACCORDING TO EN 15129

There are 2 levels of tests:
Type Tests
Qualification of the device based on type, load, displacement, material,
main parameters
Routine Tests (Factory Production Control Tests)
Tests to check the manufactured devices (from 5% to 20% of the overall
supply)

TESTING ACCORDING TO EN 15129

Type testing according to EN15129

Shall be performed on 2 prototypes

Shall be repeated if the design parameters vary more than 20%

For rubber isolators only type test on models scaled 1:2 is allowed

FACTORY PRODUCTION CONTROL - TEST

FREQUENCIES
FPC Testing according to EN 15129

High Damping Rubber Bearings

20%

Lead Rubber Devices

20%

Hysteretic Dampers

2%

Hydraulic Devices*

5%

Sliding Pendulum Isolators*

5%

* Dynamic test required

BI-AXIAL TEST ON A PAIR OF RUBBER ISOLATORS

(ALGALAB)
Testing according to EN 15129

TEST OF A SLIDING PENDULUM AT THE EUCENTRE

LABORATORY (UNIVERSITY OF PAVIA)
Testing according to EN 15129

DYNAMIC TESTS ON SLIDING PENDUUM WITH TWO

SLIDING SURFACES AT EUCENTRE (UNIVERSITY
OF PAVIA)
Testing according to EN 15129

DYNAMIC TESTS ON SLIDING PENDULUM

ISOLATORS - THERMOGRAPHIES
Testing according to EN 15129

TESTING EQUIPMENT FOR PENDULUM ISOLATORS

AT ALGALAB
Testing according to EN 15129

TESTING ACCORDING TO AASHTO

There are 2 levels of tests:
Type Tests
Qualification of the device for every project both in seismic and service
condition
Routine Tests
Tests to check the manufactured devices on the 100% of the products to
be supplied

TESTING LABORATORIES: ALGALAB

ALGA is provided of an internal testing labotatory equipped with the

following main testing devices:
Static hydraulic press for the application of vertical loads up to 50.000 kN
and simultaneously horizontal loads up to 20.000 kN
Dynamic equipment with continuos oil flow of 600 l/min and maximum
flow up to 1800 l/min at 210 bar; dynamic actuators up to 16.000 kN, 15
data acquisition channels, frequency analysis up to 1000 Hz

TESTING LABORATORIES: ALGALAB

Static Test on Pot Bearings

TESTING LABORATORIES: ALGALAB

Static Biaxial test on isolator type HDRB

TESTING LABORATORIES: ALGALAB

Dynamic test on STU 16000 kN (Carquinez Bridge California)

TESTING LABORATORIES: EUCENTRE PAVIA ITALY

EUCENTRE is provided by a testing laboratory equipped with the
following main testing devices:
Hydraulic press for the application of static vertical loads up to
50.000 kN and dynamic vertical load up to 40.000 kN with
simultaneous horizontal load of 1700 kN and displacement up to 500
mm

Dynamic actuator up to 3750 kN with velocity up to 1 m/s

Shaking table with movement up to 500 mm and dynamic load up to
1700 kN

TESTING LABORATORIES: EUCENTRE PAVIA ITALY

Hydraulic press for tests on bearings and isolators

TESTING LABORATORIES: EUCENTRE PAVIA ITALY

Dynamic test on a viscous damper FD 2000/2400

TESTING LABORATORIES: SAN DIEGO

(UCSD) - USA
The University of California (UCSD) San Diego - USA is provided
by a testing laboratory equipped with the following main testing
devices:
Hydraulic press for the application of triaxial loads up to 53.000 kN
dynamic vertical load, 8900 kN horizontal load and max. displacement of
1200 mm, velocity up to 1.8 m/s

COST-BENEFITS OF THE ISOLATION SYSTEMS

HDRB

LRB

PS

HY

FD

Energy dissipated

Period shift

Re-centering capacity

Initial cost

Maintenance

CONCLUSIONS
There are many kinds of anti-seismic devices that proved their reliability and
efficiency and can meet nearly any requirement of the designer in order to
protect structures from the earthquake
In addition isolators can protect also the content of the structure
Quality assurance of the devices is of primary importance. Devices may be
required to perform only few second in the life time of the structure. Their
failing would vanish the whole investment.
Isolators shall act also as structural bearings all days of structures life.
Therefore they shall fulfil also all relevant requirement for bearings.

CONCLUSIONS
How much is the cost of the seismic isolation?
Values %

not isolated bridge Isolated Bridge

Deck

50

50

Bearings

24

Piers & Found.

49

35

TOTAL

100

8789

Thanks for your attention!