Adaptive Base Isolation System for the Control of Seismic Energy Flow into Buildings

Passive base isolation is an effective system for reducing earthquake induced damage to buildings. The effectiveness of the passive base isolation system can be further improved by combining it with an active vibration control system. This "hybrid" base isolation system can actively adapt to seismic excitation to minimize the induced damage to the structure. In this study an "adaptive base isolation" system which utilizes passive base isolation devices and strain inserting actuators is proposed. Strain inserting actuators are placed horizontally between the structure and the foundation in order to isolate the structure from the horizontal components of the ground motion. The proposed system is designed to minimize the earthquake induced forces imposed on the structure, in order to control the seismic energy flow into the building.