Effect of epicentral distance on the applicability of base isolation and energy dissipation systems to improve seismic behavior of RC buildings

ABSTR A C T Even though the intense seismic activity in Mexico and the great human and material losses produced in the country during the September 19th, 1985 and 2017 earthquakes, the use of passive control devices to mitigate the seismic risk is still very limited. At present, a very small number of structures has used energy dissipation devices and isolated systems. One of the reasons for the limited use of passive control devices in Mexico, is the small number of studies related with the applicability of these systems, in reducing the expected seismic response of structures in different locations in the country. In this study, the feasibility to make use of braced frames, energy dissipation systems with elastoplastic behavior and base isolation systems in regions with different shaking intensities is analyzed. Two-, fiveand 10-story reinforced concrete buildings located in seismic zones close and far from the most important earthquake source in Mexico are analyzed. Eight zones into the Mexican territory, from the subduction seismic source along the Middle America Trench (MAT) to sites located 350 km away, were selected. Nonlinear dynamic analyses of moment-resisting structures, braced frames, buildings with energy dissipation devices and isolated structures were conducted to assess the buildings' seismic responses. The results allow to determine the influence of buildings height and site location on the expected seismic demands for each building structural type. Particularly emphasis is devoted to evaluate the expected seismic response of buildings with passive control devices as function the building distance to the Middle America Trench.

Automated summary

The study analyzed the feasibility of using passive control devices in different seismic intensity zones, evaluating their impact on buildings' seismic responses. The results showed the influence of building height and site location on seismic demands, with a particular emphasis on evaluating the effects of passive control devices on buildings.