APPLICATION OF HYBRID SLIDING ISOLATION SYSTEM TO BUILDINGS

This paper introduces a new base isolation system-a friction-controlla ble sliding system-for seismic response control of buildings. To overc ome the limitations of conventional passive sliding isolation systems, a hybrid sliding system has been developed using friction-controllabl e bearings. This innovative system uses a variable friction force prod uced by changing the pressure in its fluid chamber with computer contr ol. In this study, the applicability of this system to buildings is ex amined through computer-simulation analysis. A control algorithm is de veloped for this purpose, which considers various problems associated with the application of this system to buildings. It is shown that thi s hybrid system is more effective for earthquakes with a broad range o f intensity, compared to its conventional passive counterparts. The pr oposed hybrid system is in the process of being installed in a four-st ory office building in Tokyo to replace the existing passive isolation system.