Examining the Effects of Different Seismic Base Isolators on the Seismic Behavior of a Real-Size Steel Truss Structure

Abstract

In this study, the seismic behavior of a real-size steel truss structure is examined for elastomeric isolator, double friction pendulum isolator, and fixed support conditions. Hence, the main aim of the study is to examine which type of support is safer for seismic response of a real-size steel truss structure, considering the structural reactions under earthquake and other acting load effects. To do this, the structural models generated with three different support conditions are examined in detail in terms of earthquake characteristic according to conducted structural seismic analyzes. The real-size steel truss structures are modeled in SAP2000 structural analysis program and are designed in accordance with the Turkish Building Earthquake Code2018 specifications. The snow and wind loads acting on the truss structures are calculated in the direction of TS EN 1991-1-3 and TS EN 1991-1-4 specifications, respectively. The earthquake forces are implemented to the truss structure through mode superposition method. Finally, the truss structure is comparatively examined in terms of the structural weight, base shear force, natural vibration period, and relative drift. As regards to the obtained results, it has been observed that the seismic responses of the steel truss structure are remarkable better when the seismic base isolator is implemented into the structure. © 2025 by the Authors.