The Role of Base Isolator Parameters in Building Response

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 73 views

Introduction

Indonesia, a country located in the Pacific fire ring, faces a high risk of earthquake disasters. With these geographical conditions, it is essential for every building erected in this country to have optimal resistance to earthquakes. Most construction planning in Indonesia currently still uses conventional methods, which focus on strengthening building structures to overcome earthquake force. However, this method can increase the force acting in buildings, resulting in a higher risk of damage.

The Importance of Base Isolation in Earthquake-Resistant Building Planning

As a more effective solution, the seismic isolation method or known as the base isolation is introduced. Base isolator, the device used in this method, serves to reduce the earthquake force that works on buildings and absorb earthquake energy to a safe level. Base isolators commonly used in this study are the type of Lead Rubber Bearing (LRB), which has a relatively small shear stiffness and is installed between the foundation and the structure of the building. With the application of the base insulator, the building experiences an extension of natural vibrations, which contributes to the reduction in acceleration that is felt on the floors of the building. This produces a smaller earthquake force, compared to buildings that do not use base isolators.

The Role of Base Isolator Parameters in Building Response

In this study, we compared the structural response between buildings using LRB and buildings without LRB. In addition, we also analyzed the effect of the base isolator parameter, especially shear stiffness, to the building response due to earthquake force. Shear stiffness in LRB consists of three elements: initial stiffness (K1), post melting rigidity (K2), and effective stiffness (keff). The relationship between initial stiffness and melting rigidity can be expressed through the Post Yield Stiffness Ratio (•) calculated by the formula (•) = K2/K1. Variations in the Post Yield Stiffness Ratio value can significantly affect the structural response.

Time History Analysis Method and SAP2000 Software

The analysis conducted in this final project uses the time history analysis method which is equipped with SAP2000 software. The time history analysis method is a powerful tool for analyzing the dynamic behavior of structures under various types of loads, including earthquake forces. SAP2000 software is a widely used structural analysis and design software that can perform various types of analyses, including time history analysis.

Results of the Analysis

The results of the analysis show that there are significant differences in structural responses between buildings that use LRB and those without LRB. For example, the ratio of the response of earthquake acceleration between the two types of buildings showed a difference of 71%. For the basic shear force response, the ratio reaches 37%, while for moments, latitude, and normal force, the ratio reaches 47%. These results indicate that the use of LRB can significantly reduce the earthquake forces acting on buildings.

The Effect of Shear Stiffness on Building Response

From the results of the study also seen that the influence of shear stiffness as a base isolator parameter on structural response shows a relatively small result, which is only about 0.5% comparison between post-yield stiffness ratio variations. However, the use of LRB as a whole proved effective in reducing earthquake forces, which in turn reduced the risk of damage to buildings and avoiding potential fatalities.

Conclusion and Recommendations

In the context of earthquake-resistant building planning in Indonesia, the application of base isolation technology such as lead rubber bearings is a advanced step that should be considered. With the increasing understanding of this technique and deeper analysis, it is expected that buildings in Indonesia can be built more safely and effectively in dealing with an inevitable earthquake. Therefore, it is recommended that the use of LRB be considered in the design and construction of buildings in Indonesia, especially in areas prone to earthquakes.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions can include the development of more advanced base isolator materials and technologies, as well as the investigation of the effects of other base isolator parameters on building response. Additionally, the use of LRB in combination with other seismic isolation methods, such as friction pendulum bearings, can also be explored.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the use of a simplified model of the building and the assumption of a single type of base isolator. Future studies can include the use of more complex models and the investigation of the effects of different types of base isolators on building response.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has demonstrated the effectiveness of the base isolation method in reducing earthquake forces acting on buildings. The use of LRB has been shown to significantly reduce the response of earthquake acceleration, basic shear force, moments, latitude, and normal force. The influence of shear stiffness as a base isolator parameter on structural response shows a relatively small result, but the use of LRB as a whole proved effective in reducing earthquake forces. Therefore, it is recommended that the use of LRB be considered in the design and construction of buildings in Indonesia, especially in areas prone to earthquakes.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the base isolator parameter, especially shear stiffness, on building response due to earthquake force using the time history analysis method.

Q: What is base isolation and how does it work?

A: Base isolation is a seismic isolation method that uses a device, such as a lead rubber bearing (LRB), to reduce the earthquake force that works on buildings and absorb earthquake energy to a safe level.

Q: What are the benefits of using base isolation in building design?

A: The benefits of using base isolation in building design include reducing earthquake forces, reducing the risk of damage to buildings, and avoiding potential fatalities.

Q: What is the role of shear stiffness in base isolators?

A: Shear stiffness in base isolators, such as LRB, consists of three elements: initial stiffness (K1), post melting rigidity (K2), and effective stiffness (keff). The relationship between initial stiffness and melting rigidity can be expressed through the Post Yield Stiffness Ratio (•) calculated by the formula (•) = K2/K1.

Q: How does the time history analysis method work?

A: The time history analysis method is a powerful tool for analyzing the dynamic behavior of structures under various types of loads, including earthquake forces. It involves simulating the response of a structure to a specific earthquake event over time.

Q: What are the results of the analysis?

A: The results of the analysis show that there are significant differences in structural responses between buildings that use LRB and those without LRB. For example, the ratio of the response of earthquake acceleration between the two types of buildings showed a difference of 71%. For the basic shear force response, the ratio reaches 37%, while for moments, latitude, and normal force, the ratio reaches 47%.

Q: What is the effect of shear stiffness on building response?

A: The influence of shear stiffness as a base isolator parameter on structural response shows a relatively small result, which is only about 0.5% comparison between post-yield stiffness ratio variations. However, the use of LRB as a whole proved effective in reducing earthquake forces.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study include the use of LRB in the design and construction of buildings in Indonesia, especially in areas prone to earthquakes.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the use of a simplified model of the building and the assumption of a single type of base isolator. Future studies can include the use of more complex models and the investigation of the effects of different types of base isolators on building response.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research directions can include the development of more advanced base isolator materials and technologies, as well as the investigation of the effects of other base isolator parameters on building response.

Q: What is the conclusion of this study?

A: In conclusion, this study has demonstrated the effectiveness of the base isolation method in reducing earthquake forces acting on buildings. The use of LRB has been shown to significantly reduce the response of earthquake acceleration, basic shear force, moments, latitude, and normal force.