VIRTUAL ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFICIENCY OF SEISMIC PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Abstract

The efficiency of seismic protection is analyzed by using differential models of Bouc-Wen type to portray the hysteretic behaviour of devices used for both base isolation and bracing systems. Analytical methods assisted by Genetic Algorithms are developed for fitting the mathematical models to laboratory experimental data. The seismic response of structures is studied for various configurations of earthquake protection systems by using Matlab-Simulink software. The seismic inputs are either records of ground motion acceleration or synthetic accelerograms compatible with imposed design spectra. The time histories of seismic response can be visualized in real time on multi-channels virtual oscilloscopes. Through this virtual analysis, the seismic protection system can be optimally configured as to accomplish both the building structural safety and minimization of system implementation cost.