Cost Viability of a Base Isolation System for the Seismic Protection of mid-rise reinforced concrete moment frames

Abstract

Seismic isolation is effective in reducing seismic demand for buildings and decreasing seismic damage costs. This study investigates the effect of lead-plug rubber bearing isolator on the casting cost of mid-rise reinforced concrete moment frames. A five story concrete frame building case study is modeled by ETABS software. Then in the designed structure a series of lead-plug rubber Isolators are applied and the building is re-designed. Next the casting costs in these two different cases are compared. Based on the results of this case study, using of base isolator would decrease the weight of steel rebar and the volume of concrete about 20 percent in comparison of ordinary building.