RATIONALE

This project is intended to provide a model which shows how base isolation works for structures
experiencing earthquakes and how it differs from a common structural building. This project also aims
to provide simple information on how to prevent too much deflection that may cause a sudden collapse
of the structure during an earthquake. Hence, this project would help improve knowledge on base
isolation concept which may help others to develop more complex ideas to prevent structures from
subsiding during earthquakes resulting less harm to people.

INTRODUCTION

An earthquake is known to be one of the most destructive forces of nature that human has ever
encountered. It produces a sudden release of large energy beneath the surface which results to the
formation of seismic waves. The waves are felt by humans in a form of ground shaking. The structures or
debris that fall during the ground shaking is fatal, not the earthquake itself. By preventing the structures
from collapsing, the harmful effects of an earthquake can be remedied.

One of the many ways of preventing the collapse of buildings is base isolation. This concept
under earthquake engineering is commonly used, as exhibited by the LA City Hall which is the largest
structure to have base isolation. Base isolation reduces the one-by-one movement of the floors in the
structure and the effect of earthquake ground motion by disconnecting the superstructure to its
foundation and inserting a flexible member with a low horizontal stiffness between the two. That
structural element between them will absorb the ground movement causing the structure to move
laterally as one.

Figure 1. Sample model of a fixed-base and an isolated base structure.

 To visually illustrate base isolation, the objectives of this project is to build a model of a fixed-
base structure and an isolated structure to prove that base isolation resists ground motion by showing
that the deflection of a fixed-base is higher than the isolated one.

METHODOLOGY

A three-storey structure has been constructed which is made up of wood (represents the base
of structure), 1/8 stainless steel round bars (represents the columns), and plywood (represents the
floors). The connecting element between the structure and the foundation is represented by
roller/wheels which performs the concept of base isolation. Figure 1a shows the fixed base structure
while Figure 1b shows the model with isolated base. The earthquake ground motion is simulated by a
motor which causes lateral movement of the plywood base (represents the ground). Figure 1c presents
the ground motion simulator.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The angular frequency of the motor was obtained using a tachometer. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd
settings had frequencies of 1177 rpm, 1250 rpm and 1480 rpm, respectively. Based on the model
created and upon turning on the motor, the fixed-base structure obtains a deflection of XX for the 1st
setting, XX for the 2nd setting and XX for the 3rd setting. On the other hand; the isolated base only
obtains a deflection of XX for the 1st setting, XX for the 2nd setting and XX for the 3rd setting. O the
average, the deflection of the structure with an isolated base is less than that of the fixed. It is very
visible in the model which is shown at Figure 2 that the sway of the fixed-base is more than the isolated
one.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

To have an earthquake ground motion resistant building, it is a must to have an alteration of the
original structure. One of the proven ways to conduct this is base isolation which shows how it resists
the storey from swaying too hard preventing the floors to sway one by one which can result to a massive
destruction if it happens in real life. Therefore, base isolation is a reliable option to choose in having an
earthquake resistant building.

REFERENCES

Wu, T. C. (2001). Design of base isolation system for buildings. Department of Civil and
Environmental Engineering. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Retrieved May 21,
2017 from https://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/84293/49521605-
MIT.pdf?sequence=2

Yadav, S. (2012). Final project report of base isolation. Retrieved May 21, 2017 from
https://www.scribd.com/doc/91538503/Final-Project-Report-of-Base-Isolation