Study on a seismic isolation method suitable for an architectural monument

Abstract

The research presented in this scientific paper investigates an adaptive seismic isolation system meant to protect architectural monuments structures subjected to a variety of seismic ground motions. This scientific paper presents a solution that is adequate for the seismic isolation of a small building or a man-made monument, having height and side of the base less than 10 meters. This paper concentrates on the analysis and experimental implementation of an adaptive isolation system for an architectural monument represented by the statue of Ovidius in Constanta (Romania). The solution proposed by the authors is one of a composed type. The isolation system consists of sliding isolation bearings in combination with a central fluid viscous damper device. In order to acquire a good seismic isolation and due to the symmetry in the vertical diametric plane, the chosen solution consists of four sliding bearings (friction pendulum type), located in the corners of the base support. Additionally, the monument is attached to the upper plate of the base support through a dissipative hydraulic element. This one has the role of insulating the monument against the normal movement of soil, mostly due to location of the monument in a public square, accessible to road traffic. The results of the research have revealed a favorable characteristic of this isolation system. The proposed system is therefore capable of simultaneously limiting the response of both sliding base isolation system and superstructure, for a large variety of seismic ground motions.