Base isolation is simply defined as decoupling or separating the structure from its foundation. In layman terms, base isolation can be understood by comparing it to suspension system used in automobiles. Seismic waves result in lateral movement of the foundation of the building.
Similarly one may ask, is base isolation expensive?
For one thing, base isolation is more expensive than conventional engineering methods. Hamburger estimated that a base isolation system may cost roughly $30-50 per square foot, or between $600,000 and $1,000,000 for a five-story building.
Simply so, what are the advantages of base isolation?
Advantages of Base isolation? Reduced the seismic demand of structure, thereby reducing the cost of structure. Lesser displacements during an earthquake. Reduced the damages caused during an earthquake.
What are two impacts that earthquakes can have on humans?
An earthquake can collapse bridges, cause both landslides and avalanches, and damage roads making them impassable. This can easily isolate communities within Teton County not allowing the people already there to leave, and more importantly blocking emergency services from reaching them.
What is base isolation technique and how is it used for new construction of building?
Base isolation (BI) system for buildings is introduced to decouple the building structure from potentially damaging induced by earthquake motion, preventing the building superstructures from absorbing the earthquake energy.
What is effect of base isolation device?
A base isolation system is a method of seismic protection where the structure (superstructure) is separated from the base (foundation or substructure). By separating the structure from its base the amount of energy that is transferred to the superstructure during an earthquake is reduced significantly.
What materials are used in the base isolation method?
Lead-rubber bearings are frequently used for base isolation. A lead rubber bearing is made from layers of rubber sandwiched together with layers of steel. The bearing is very stiff and strong in the vertical direction, but flexible in the horizontal direction.
When was base isolators invented?
Base isolator bearings were pioneered in New Zealand by Dr Bill Robinson during the 1970s. The bearing, which consists of layers of rubber and steel with a lead core, was invented by Dr Robinson in 1974.
Where is base isolation used?
Base isolation mitigates motion of the structure due to seismic activity. Base isolation is widely used in the earthquake-resistant design. This passive control technique basically decouples the structure from the ground motion by introducing a flexible or sliding type interface.