Impact of Lead Rubber Bearing Base Isolation Systems on Building Structures Designed As Per Eurocode 8

Seismic base isolation has been classified as a structural protection system designed to minimize the seismic forces transferred to a structure during an earthquake. This can be achieved through the use of various devices, such as elastomeric bearings, sliding bearings, and hybrid systems. Purpose of the study: The study aims to evaluate the impact of using lead rubber bearings (LRB) as a base isolation system in building structures. Methods: In order to achieve this, nonlinear dynamic analyses of a seven-story building with and without an isolation device at its base were performed using the Fast Nonlinear Analysis (FNA) algorithm. The building was designed according to Eurocode 8 (EC8) criteria and then subjected to analysis using data from two previous earthquake events. Results: It is concluded that the bilinear behavior assumption made in the design stage according to EC8 is appropriate. Additionally, implementing an isolation system with LRBs at the building foundation can significantly enhance building performance by reducing floor accelerations, inter-story drifts, and base shear responses. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that isolating a building at its base with LRBs effectively reduces internal forces due to both gravity and seismic loads.