4.1.8.20.Seismic Isolation Design Provisions

(1) The period of the isolated structure, determined using the post-yield stiffness of the isolation system in the horizontal direction under consideration, shall be greater than three times the period of the structure above the isolation interface calculated as a fixed base. (2) The isolation system shall be configured to produce a restoring force such that the lateral force at the TDD at the centre of mass of the isolated structure above the isolation interface is at least 0.025Wb greater than the lateral force at 50% of the TDD at the same location, in each horizontal direction, where Wb is the portion of W above the isolation interface. (3) The values of storey shears, storey forces, member forces, and deflections used in the design of all structural framing elements and components of the isolation system shall be obtained from analysis conforming to Sentence 4.1.8.19.(3) using one of the following values, whichever produces the most critical effect: (a) mean plus IE times the standard deviation of results of all Non-linear Dynamic Analyses, or (b) √IE times the mean of the results of all Non-linear Dynamic Analyses. (4) The force-deformation and damping characteristics of the isolation system used in the analysis and design of seismically isolated structures shall be validated by testing at least two full-size specimens of each predominant type and size of isolator unit of the isolation system, which shall include (a) the individual isolator units, (b) separate supplemental damping devices, if used, and (c) separate sacrificial wind-restraint systems, if used. (5) The force-deformation characteristics and damping value of a representative sample of the isolator units installed in the building shall be validated by tests prior to their installation. (6) A diaphragm or horizontal structural elements shall provide continuity immediately above the isolation interface to transmit forces due to non-uniform ground motions from one part of the structure to another. (7) All structural framing elements shall be designed for the forces described in Sentence (3) with RdRo = 1.0, except (a) for structures with IE < 1.5, all SFRSs shall be detailed in accordance with the requirements for Rd ≥ 1.5 and the applicable referenced design standards, and (b) for structures with IE = 1.5, all SFRSs shall be detailed in accordance with the requirements for Rd ≥ 2.0 and the applicable referenced design standards. (8) The height restrictions noted in Table 4.1.8.9. need not apply to seismically isolated structures. (9) All isolator units shall be (a) designed for the forces described in Sentence (3), and (b) able to accommodate the TDD determined at the specific location of each isolator unit. (10) The isolation system, including a separate wind-restraint system if used, shall limit lateral displacement due to wind loads across the isolation interface to a value equal to that required for the least storey height in accordance with Sentence 4.1.3.5.(3).