Base isolation with sliding hydromagnetic bearings: concept and feasibility study. Issue 6 (3rd June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Villaverde, Roberto
• Is Part Of: Structure and infrastructure engineering. Volume 13:Issue 6(2017)
• Page Start: 709
• Page End: 721
• Publication Date: 2017-06-03
• Subjects: Seismic isolation -- isolation bearings -- earthquake protective systems -- permanent magnets -- magnetic damping -- hydrostatic bearings; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Buildings -- Performance -- Periodicals; 620.005
• DOI: 10.1080/15732479.2016.1187634
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1573-2479

Abstract

Abstract: A description is made of a newly developed base isolation system that in a simple and cost-effective way may significantly reduce the lateral forces transmitted to buildings, bridges and other structures during earthquakes. The system operates on the basis of (a) sliding bearings that incorporate a hydrostatic scheme to minimise the friction between bearings and base plates, and (b) the generation through the use of modern rare earth permanent magnets of damping forces to reduce the bearings' displacements to practical levels and counteracting forces to push the bearings back toward their initial positions if displaced. The sliding bearings are fabricated with steel tubes, steel cap plates, a low-viscosity fluid, sealing elastomeric O-rings and rare earth permanent magnets attached to the steel tubes. The isolation system is comprised of these bearings, aluminium base plates and rare earth permanent magnets connected to the periphery of these plates. Presented also is a study conducted with a six-storey building to examine the feasibility and practicality of the proposed system. As conceptualised and based on the results from the feasibility study, it is concluded that the suggested isolation scheme is feasible, effective and easy to build and install.