Simplified Method for the Seismic Design of Low-Rise, Shear Wall Base- Isolated Buildings

Abstract

A simplified method for the seismic design of low-rise, base-isolated shear wall structures is proposed in MOC-2012. This simplified method is basically a hybrid method, where the design of the isolation system is a simpler version for the static method available in US guidelines for the design of base-isolated structures and the design of the superstructure essentially is an improved version of the simplified method for the seismic design of conventional low-rise shear wall structures of Mexican seismic codes. The application of this method and its effectiveness to obtain safe designs is illustrated with a practical example. It is anticipated this simple methodology would help promote the use of base isolation in low-rise shear wall structures and reduce their vulnerability when subjected to strong earthquakes.