ISOLHER · Base-isolation technology for earthquake protection of cultural heritage
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2007-03-01 → 2009-02-28
- EU contribution
- €80,000
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- IRG
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Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - ISOLHER (Base-isolation technology for earthquake protection of cultural heritage)
During the first period of the project, the research team has succeeded the following: (a) Development of a better understanding of the seismic behaviour of block-like art objects to realistically assess their seismic vulnerability and performance. The dynamic behaviour of rigidly-modelled block objects to ground excitation was examined, and possible modes of response and failure mechanisms were identified. (b) A structural model consisting of a rigid block supported on a rigid base, beneath which the isolation system is accommodated, was adopted. The entire system is base-isolated with a linear isolation system composed of a spring and a viscous dashpot. Investigation of the rocking response of the object (assuming no sliding) subjected to arbitrary base excitation. The formulation of the problem involved derivation of the nonlinear equations of motion and an appropriate impact model from first principles using classical impact theory. (c) Development of an ad-hoc computational scheme for the nonlinear dynamic analysis of the block-like isolated structure to determine the response of the system under arbitrary base excitation. During the second period of the project, the research team has succeeded the following: (a) The computational scheme developed (on the basis of the analytical model formulated during the first 12-month period of the project) has been refined and integrated into a versatile computer program for the nonlinear dynamic analysis of seismically isolated block-like objects. The computer program calculates numerically the response of an isolated block subjected to ground excitation under general conditions, considering the different possible oscillation patterns, impact, and arbitrary excitation. (b) Data in terms of typical geometries and material properties were collected from the Cyprus Archaeological Museum in Nicosia and the literature, to characterise the system under consideration. (c) A set of ground motions having a variety of frequency content and amplitude was selected to be used as input to the nonlinear analysis. (i) Utilising the aforementioned computer program, extensive numerical investigations under seismic excitation have been carried out to verify the effectiveness of seismic-isolation strategy in mitigating the seismic risk of rigidly-modelled museum artefacts. In particular, numerical investigations were performed on two different levels: (i) on a class of rigid blocks with different geometric characteristics, for both the non-isolated and isolated case, and (ii) on a class of seismic-isolation systems with different characteristics. (d) The results from the comprehensive numerical study were analysed. Interpretation of the results revealed that seismic isolation may effectively be applied to mitigate the rocking response of block-like objects during earthquakes.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Base isolation is accepted worldwide as one of the most effective strategies for seismic protection of civil structures. The fundamental principle underlying base isolation involves decoupling the structure from the damaging horizontal ground motion, by means of additional flexibility and energy dissipation capability, thereby mitigating the severity of structural vibration and damage during a seismic event.The effectiveness of this innovative technology ¿ typically used to protect the primary structural system in bridges, buildings and the infrastructure ¿paved the way for extending the concept to non-structural elements of strategic importance. Typical examples of non-structural elements include high-value building contents, mechanical and electrical equipment, computer servers, and irreplaceable museum artifacts.The proposed research concerns the protection of museum artifacts against intensive ground shaking through the use of innovative seismic protective systems. Application of base isolation technology to individual artifacts is a viable alternative to seismically isolating the entire building ¿ a significantly more complex and expensive task. The project will concentrate on the evaluation of benefits, as well as ascertaining the limitations, of different types of seismic isolation systems.The seismic performance of base-isolated block-like museum artifacts will be investigated through reliable numerical tools capable of correctly describing the behaviour of such systems. The subject research topic will have great potential for facilitating base isolation as a means of earthquake protection and structural conservation of cultural heritage.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS · NICOSIACoordinatorCyprus
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union