Reduction of structural response to near fault earthquakes by seismic isolation columns and variable friction dampers

This paper focuses on the investigation of a hybrid seismic isolation system with passive variable friction dampers for protection of structures against near fault earthquakes. The seismic isolation can be implemented by replacing the conventional columns fixed to the foundations by seismic isolating ones. These columns allow horizontal displacement between the superstructure and the foundations and decouple the building from the damaging earthquake motion. As a result, the forces in the structural elements decrease and damage that may be caused to the building by the earthquake significantly decreases. However, this positive effect is achieved on account of displacements occurring in the isolating columns. These displacements become very large when the structure is subjected to a strong earthquake. In this case, impact may occur between the parts of the isolating column yielding their damage or collapse. In order to limit the displacements in the isolating columns, it is proposed to add variable friction dampers. A method for selecting the dampers＇ properties is proposed. It is carried out using an artificial ground motion record and optimal active control algorithm. Numerical simulation of a sevenstory structure shows that the proposed method allows efficient reduction in structural response and limits the displacements at the seismic isolating columns.

Earthquake Response and Isolation Layer Parameter Effect of Seismic Isolation Systems of Transformers With Bushings

国内外震害表明，变压器在地震中的破坏型式多样，易损性极高。隔震技术是一项能够有效降低地震反应的新型抗震技术，而变压器及套管隔震层的设计和参数选择与普通结构有较大的差异。首先，建立了大型电力变压器及套管隔震体系的多质点分析模型，采用Matlab软件编写计算程序，分别输入人工地震波和Taft地震波，对变压器及套管隔震体系的地震响应进行分析；最后，开展了隔震层等效水平网0度、等效阻尼比、双线性恢复力模型的屈服剪力系数及屈服后刚度等参数的地震响应影响分析。分析结果表明：合理设计变压器及套管隔震体系的隔震层参数，可有效降低变压器及套管的地震响应；另外，通过隔震层的参数分析，得到了相关参数的合理取值范围。该研究对今后变压器及套管隔震体系的设计具有参考与指导作用。

Seismic response of a mid-story isolated structure considering SSI in mountainous areas under long-period earthquakes

At present,there is not much research on mid-story isolated structures in mountainous areas.In this study,a model of a mid-story isolated structure considering soil-structure interaction(SSI)in mountainous areas is established along with a model that does not consider SSI.Eight long-period earthquake waves and two ordinary earthquake waves are selected as inputs for the dynamic time history analysis of the structure.The results show that the seismic response of a mid-story isolated structure considering SSI in mountainous areas can be amplified when compared with a structure that does not consider SSI.The structure response under long-period earthquakes is larger than that of ordinary earthquakes.The structure response under far-field harmonic-like earthquakes is larger than that of near-fault pulse-type earthquakes.The structure response under near-fault pulse-type earthquakes is larger than that of far-field non-harmonic earthquakes.When subjected to long-period earthquakes,the displacement of the isolated bearings exceeded the limit value,which led to instability and overturning of the structure.The structure with dampers in the isolated story could adequately control the nonlinear response of the structure,effectively reduce the displacement of the isolated bearings,and provide a convenient,efficient and economic method not only for new construction but also to retrofit existing structures.

Seismic Reduction and Isolation Design Strategies for Bridges in High-Intensity Earthquake Areas

High-intensity earthquakes can cause severe damage to bridges,buildings,and ground surfaces,as well as disrupt human activities.Such earthquakes can create long-distance,high-intensity surface movements that negatively impact bridge structures.This article delves into the seismic reduction and isolation design strategies for bridges in high-intensity earthquake areas.It analyzes various seismic reduction and isolation technologies and provides case studies to help relevant units understand the design strategies of these technologies.The results of this article can be used as a guideline to effectively enhance the seismic performance of bridges in high-intensity earthquake areas.

Lessons from the seismic behavior of a steel grid roof structure heavily damaged in Lushan earthquake

The seismic behavior of a school gymnasium, whose steel grid roof was heavily damaged during the Mw6.6 Lushan earthquake in 2013, is simulated through nonlinear dynamic analysis. The simulated damage is compared with field observations to validate the numerical model, based on which a parametric study was performed to provide insight into the failure process and damage patterns of steel grids. The results suggest that the grid damage is strongly related to roofsubstructure interactions. These include not only the substructure's amplification of the vibration, but the uncoordinated displacement of the substructure's columns which support the grid also play an equally important role. In particular, the latter effect may significantly alter the internal force distribution in the steel grid and lead to unexpected buckling of members that are proportioned as tension-only members. While such interactions are generally not accounted for in the design practice for grid structures in China, similar seismic damage may be expected for other existing grid roofs in future earthquakes. As is also demonstrated in this study, seismic isolation of the roof is a promising solution to protect grid roof structures by mitigating the detrimental effects of roof-substructure interactions.

Improving the performance of conventional base isolation systems by an external variable negative stiffness device under near-fault and long-period ground motions

Recent studies have shown that base-isolated objects with long fundamental natural periods are highly influenced by long-period earthquakes. These long-period waves result in large displacements for isolators, possibly leading to exceedance of the allowable displacement limits. Conventional isolation systems, in general, fail to resist such large displacements. This has prompted the need to modify conventional base isolation systems. The current work focuses on the development of an external device, comprising a unit of negative and positive springs, for improving the performance of conventional base isolation systems. This unit accelerates the change in the stiffness of the isolation system where the stiffness of the positive spring varies linearly in terms of the displacement response of the isolated objects. The target objects of the present study are small structures such as computer servers, sensitive instruments and machinery. Numerical studies show that the increase in the damping of the system and the slope of the linear function is effective in reducing the displacement response. An optimal range of damping values and slope, satisfying the stability condition and the allowable limits of both displacement and acceleration responses when the system is subjected to near-fault and long-period ground motions simultaneously, is proposed.

Spatial distribution features of sequence types of moderate and strong earthquake in Chinese mainland

Based on 294 earthquake sequences with magnitude greater than or equal to 5.0 occurred in Chinese mainland since 1970, the spatial distribution features of sequence types have been studied. In southwestern China, it takes mainshock-aftershock sequence type （MAT） as the major in Chuan-Dian rhombic block and concerned Xianshuihe-Anninghe-Xiaojiang seismic belt, as well as in Jinshajiang-Honghe seismic belt. Multiple mainshock type （MMT） mainly distributes in western Yunnan, and Longlin and Lancang areas in Tengchong-Baoshan block in west of Nujiang-Lancangjiang fault zone. A few isolated earthquake type （IET） mainly occurred in northwestern Sichuan and there is no IET occurred in Yunnan region. In northwestern China, it takes mainshock-aftershock sequence type （MAT） as the major in west segment of South Tianshan in Xinjiang region. Some MMT also occurred in this area in the intersection of Kalpin block and the Puchang fault zone. It takes IET as the major in middle Tianshan in Xinjiang. Along the Qilianshan seismic belt, most of sequences are MAT. In Qinghai region, it takes MAT as the major, but the regional feature of the spatial distribution of sequence types is not very clear. In North China, it takes MAT as the major in Yinshan-Yanshan-Bohai seismic belt, north edge of North China, and in Hebei plain seismic belt, as well as in sub-plate of lower river area of Yangtze River. In intersection of north segment of Shanxi seismic belt and the NW-trending Yinshan-Yanshan-Bohai seismic belt, there are several moderate or strong MMT with magnitude from 5.0 to 6.0 occurred. In south of North China around the latitude line of 35°N, it takes IET as the major. The spatial distribution of sequence types is relevant to the patterns of tectonic movements. MAT is mostly produced by the ruptures of locked units or asperities or the neonatal separating segments inside the fault zones. MMT is generally relevant to the conjugate structures or intersection of many tectonic settings. Further extension of simple fault often produces IET. Spatial distribution of sequence types is also correlative to the regional and deep environment of crustal medium to some extent. MAT mainly distributes in high velocity area in upper crust or in the transition zone between high velocity area and low velocity area, MMT mostly occurred in the low velocity area in upper crust.

Adaptive base-isolation of civil structures using variable amplification

Semi-active dampers are used in base-isolation to reduce the seismic response of civil engineering structures. In the present study, a new semi-active damping system using variable amplification will be investigated for adaptive baseisolation. It uses a novel variable amplification device （VAD） connected in series with a passive damper. The VAD is capable of producing multiple amplification factors, each corresponding to a different amplification state. Forces from the damper are amplified to the structure according to the current amplification state, which is selected via a semi-active control algorithm specifically tailored to the system＇s tmique damping characteristics. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the VAD-damper system for adaptive base-isolation, numerical simulations are conducted for three and seven-story base-isolated buildings subject to both far and near-field ground motions. The results indicate that the system can achieve significant reductions in response compared to the base-isolated buildings with no damper. The proposed system is also found to perform well compared to a typical semi-active damper.

Simulation of the response of base-isolated buildings under earthquake excitations considering soil flexibility

The accurate analysis of the seismic response of isolated structures requires incorporation of the flexibility of supporting soil. However, it is often customary to idealize the soil as rigid during the analysis of such structures. In this paper, seismic response time history analyses of base-isolated buildings modelled as linear single degree-of-freedom （SDOF） and multi degree-of-freedom （MDOF） systems with linear and nonlinear base models considering and ignoring the flexibility of supporting soil are conducted. The flexibility of supporting soil is modelled through a lumped parameter model consisting of swaying and rocking spring-dashpots. In the analysis, a large number of parametric studies for different earthquake excitations with three different peak ground acceleration （PGA） levels, different natural periods of the building models, and different shear wave velocities in the soil are considered. For the isolation system, laminated rubber bearings （LRBs） as well as high damping rubber bearings （HDRBs） are used. Responses of the isolated buildings with and without SSI are compared under different ground motions leading to the following conclusions： （1） soil flexibility may considerably influence the stiff superstructure response and may only slightly influence the response of the flexible structures; （2） the use of HDRBs for the isolation system induces higher structural peak responses with SSI compared to the system with LRBs; （3） although the peak response is affected by the incorporation of soil flexibility, it appears insensitive to the variation of shear wave velocity in the soil; （4） the response amplifications of the SDOF system become closer to unit with the increase in the natural period of the building, indicating an inverse relationship between SSI effects and natural periods for all the considered ground motions, base isolations and shear wave velocities; （5） the incorporation of SSI increases the number of significant cycles of large amplitude accelerations for all the stories, especially for earthquakes with low and moderate PGA levels; and （6） buildings with a linear LRB base-isolation system exhibit larger differences in displacement and acceleration amplifications, especially at the level of the lower stories.

Comparison of base-isolated liquid storage tank models under bi-directional earthquakes

Seismic response of ground supported baseisolated liquid storage tanks are evaluated under bi-directional earthquakes. The base-isolated liquid storage tanks are modeled using mechanical analogs with two and three lumped masses (Model 1 and Model 2). Two types of isolation systems, such as sliding system and elastomeric system, are considered for the present study. The isolation systems are modeled using Wen’s equation for hysteretic isolation systems. Response of base-isolated liquid storage tanks, evaluated through two different modeling approaches, is compared. Both the models predict similar sloshing displacement. The effect of interaction between the mutually perpendicular seismic responses of the isolator is investigated for both the models. It is observed that interaction affects the peak seismic response of the base-isolated liquid storage tanks significantly, under the bi-directional earthquake components.

Influence of Vertical Irregularity on the Seismic Behavior of Base Isolated RC Structures with Lead Rubber Bearings under Pulse-Like Earthquakes

Nowadays,an extensive number of studies related to the performance of base isolation systems implemented in regular reinforced concrete structures subjected to various types of earthquakes can be found in the literature.On the other hand,investigations regarding the irregular base-isolated reinforced concrete structures’performance when subjected to pulse-like earthquakes are very scarce.The severity of pulse-like earthquakes emerges from their ability to destabilize the base-isolated structure by remarkably increasing the displacement demands.Thus,this study is intended to investigate the effects of pulse-like earthquake characteristics on the behavior of low-rise irregular base-isolated reinforced concrete structures.Within the study scope,investigations related to the impact of the pulse-like earthquake characteristics,irregularity type,and isolator properties will be conducted.To do so,different values of damping ratios of the base isolation system were selected to investigate the efficiency of the lead rubber-bearing isolator.In general,the outcomes of the study have shown the significance of vertical irregularity on the performance of base-isolated structures and the considerable effect of pulse-like ground motions on the buildings’behavior.

Seismic analysis of a LNG storage tank isolated by a multiple friction pendulum system

The seismic response of an isolated vertical, cylindrical, extra-large liquefied natural gas （LNG） tank by a multiple friction pendulum system （MFPS） is analyzed. Most of the extra-large LNG tanks have a fundamental frequency which involves a range of resonance of most earthquake ground motions. It is an effective way to decrease the response of an isolation system used for extra-large LNG storage tanks under a strong earthquake. However, it is difficult to implement in practice with common isolation bearings due to issues such as low temperature, soft site and other severe environment factors. The extra-large LNG tank isolated by a MFPS is presented in this study to address these problems. A MFPS is appropriate for large displacements induced by earthquakes with long predominant periods. A simplified finite element model by Malhotra and Dunkerley is used to determine the usefulness of the isolation system. Data reported and statistically sorted include pile shear, wave height, impulsive acceleration, convective acceleration and outer tank acceleration. The results show that the isolation system has excellent adaptability for different liquid levels and is very effective in controlling the seismic response of extra-large LNG tanks.

Seismic performance of cable-sliding friction bearing system for isolated bridges

During past strong earthquakes, highway bridges have sustained severe damage or even collapse due to excessive displacements and/or very large lateral forces. For commonly used isolation bearings with a pure friction sliding surface, seismic forces may be reduced but displacements are often unconstrained. In this paper, an alternative seismic bearing system, called the cable-sliding friction bearing system, is developed by integrating seismic isolation devices with displacement restrainers consisting of cables attached to the upper and lower plates of the bearing. Restoring forces are provided to limit the displacements of the sliding component. Design parameters including the length and stiffness of the cables, friction coefficient, strength of the shear bolt in a fixed-type bearing, and movements under earthquake excitations are discussed. Laboratory testing of a prototype bearing subjected to vertical loads and quasi-static cyclic lateral loads, and corresponding numerical finite element simulation analysis, were carried out. It is shown that the numerical simulation shows good agreement with the experimental force-displacement hysteretic response, indicating the viability of the new bearing system. In addition, practical application of this bearing system to a multi-span bridge in China and its design advantages are discussed.

Reduced order observer based identification of base isolated buildings

The objective of this study is to identify system parameters from the recorded response of base isolated buildings,such as USC hospital building,during the 1994 Northridge earthquake.Full state measurements are not available for identification.Additionally,the response is nonlinear due to the yielding of the lead-rubber bearings.Two new approaches are presented in this paper to solve the aforementioned problems.First,a reduced order observer is used to estimate the unmeasured states.Second,a least squares technique with time segments is developed to identify the piece-wise linear system properties.The observer is used to estimate the initial conditions needed for the time segmented identification.A series of equivalent linear system parameters are identified in different time segments.It is shown that the change in system parameters,such as frequencies and damping ratios,due to nonlinear behavior of the lead-rubber bearings,are reliably estimated using the presented technique.It is shown that the response was reduced due to yielding of the lead-rubber bearings and period lengthening.

Dynamic Interaction of Soil-Isolated Structure:A Systematic Review

Isolation technique of ground structure is a hot topic in the field of earthquake engineering and structure dynamics.Since soil-isolated structure dynamic interaction study is of great significance to enhance seismic performance of isolated structures and revision of relevant isolation specifications,research on dynamic interaction of soil-isolated structure has attracted more and more attention.Based on the basic theory of soil-structure dynamic interaction,we summarize and analyze the research status quo of soil-isolated structure dynamic interaction by means of theoretical analysis,numerical simulation,model test,prototype observation and seismic performance.After reviewing the results of previous research,we reveal that some key issues,which can be used to uncover dynamic interaction mechanism and seismic response characteristics of soil-isolated structures interaction system,should not be neglected.Based on the concept of seismic performance design and the latest research of soil-isolated structure dynamic interaction,we predict the future development of soil-isolated structure dynamic interaction by elastoplastic time history analysis method,seismic performance level and practical analysis method based on energy.

Tri-directional shaking table tests of vibration sensitive equipment with static dynamics interchangeable-ball pendulum system

Recently, the high-tech industry has become a key industry for economic development in many countries. However, vibration sensitive equipment located in these industrial buildings is vulnerable during earthquakes, which may cause huge economic loss. In this study, an innovative isolator for safeguarding the vibration sensitive equipment, namely, the static dynamics interchangeable^all pendulum system （SDI-BPS） is proposed and investigated to examine its protective capability for the vibration sensitive equipment during earthquakes through a series of tri-directional shaking table tests. The experimental results illustrate that the SDI-BPS isolator can provide significant damping to rolling types of base isolation systems for reducing the bearing displacement and size, and avoid the stress concentration, which can cause damage or scratches on the rolling surface of the isolator, to prolong its life span of service. The SDI-BPS isolator also provides excellent capability in protecting the vibration sensitive equipment and exhibits a stable behavior under long terms of service loadings and earthquakes.

Fluid-driven seismicity in relatively stable continental regions:Insights from the February 3^(rd),2020 M_(S)5.1 Qingbaijiang isolated earthquake

On February 3rd,2020,an isolated MS5.1 earthquake occurred in the northern section of the Longquanshan fault zone.This study aims at defining the geometry of seismogenic structures of this earthquake.In detail,centroid moment tensor inversion results show that the earthquake is characterized by a focal depth of 3.8 km with no corresponding surface faults.The strike/dip/rake angles for the two nodal planes are 205°/54°/96°and 15°/36°/82°,respectively.With the analyses of coseismic deformation of the surface obtained from InSAR measurements,together with the information of relocated hypocenters for a small number of aftershocks,it is concluded that a northwest-dipping nodal plane corresponds well to the source fault.The fault is suggested to have a length of about 2.8 km and a depth range of 2-5 km,and the centroid of the earthquake is located at 104.48°E and 30.71°N.Furthermore,multiple pieces of evidence indicate that this earthquake is partly driven by the overpressure effect associated with the adjacent natural gas packets,which is similar to several other moderate natural earthquakes in Sichuan Basin.

Multi dimensional Seismic Response Analysis of Base Isolated Frame Structure with 3D Isolator

The three dimensional lead rubber dish spring bearing (3DB) is proposed in this paper. The 3DB is composed of lead rubber bearing (LRB) and dish spring bearing (DSB) with damper in series. The 3DB put forward in this paper is effective in the resolution of difficulties in strong vertical capacity and vertical damping of three dimensional isolation bearings. It effectively suppresses rocking motions as well. The analytical model and motion equations of multi dimensional seismic responses of 3D base isolated frame structures are established. Taking a five storey frame structure as an example, an extensive simulation analysis is carried out. The results show that the 3D base isolated structure with the proposed 3DB is effective in 3D isolation; it can reduce seismic responses by 50 % compared to a non isolated structure. Therefore, the 3D isolation problem in building can be solved easily and effectively with the 3DB proposed in this paper.

An Attempt to Analyze a Human Nervous System Algorithm for Sensing Earthquake Precursors

We statistically validate the 2011-2022 earthquake prediction records of Ada, the sixth finalist of the 2nd China AETA in 2021, who made 147 earthquake predictions (including 60% of magnitude 5.5 earthquakes) with a prediction accuracy higher than 70% and a confidence level of 95% over a 12-year period. Since the reliable earthquake precursor signals described by Ada and the characteristics of Alfvén waves match quite well, this paper proposes a hypothesis on how earthquakes are triggered based on the Alfvén (Q G) torsional wave model of Gillette et al. When the plume of the upper mantle column intrudes into the magma and lithosphere of the soft flow layer during the exchange of hot and cold molten material masses deep inside the Earth’s interior during ascent and descent, it is possible to form body and surface plasma sheets under certain conditions to form Alfven nonlinear isolated waves, and Alfven waves often perturb the geomagnetic field, releasing huge heat and kinetic energy thus triggering earthquakes. To explain the complex phenomenon of how Ada senses Alvfen waves and how to locate epicenters, we venture to speculate that special magnetosensory cells in a few human bodies can sense earthquake precursors and attempt to hypothesize an algorithm that analyzes how the human biological nervous system encodes and decodes earthquake precursors and explains how human magnetosensory cells can solve complex problems such as predicting earthquake magnitude and locating epicenters.

Experimental and numerical studies on new multi-dimensional earthquake isolation and mitigation device:Horizontal properties

Earthquake is a complex multi-dimensional excitation. Counter-measures of such multi-dimensional excitation on many critical structures,such as long-span structures and high-rise buildings,must be taken into account to avert the structural failure. Many types of earthquake mitigation or isolation devices for mitigating earthquake-induced effects in the horizontal direction have been proposed and applied to real applications. However,study on multi-dimensional earthquake isolation and mitigation devices for structures has been received much less attention. In this paper,a new multi-dimensional earthquake isolation and mitigation device was developed and tested. Effects of excitation frequency and environmental temperature on horizontal properties of this device were considered. At the same time,fatigue properties of the device under different amplitude horizontal excitations were also studied experimentally. The equivalent standard solid model which can effectively describe the effect of frequency and temperature on the horizontal properties of the device was proposed and verified. From the experimental results,it may be concluded that the multi-dimensional earthquake isolation and mitigation device owns fine energy dissipation and fatigue resistance capabilities.