Effect of vertical component of earthquake on the response of pure-friction base-isolated asymmetric buildings

This study has been conducted to evaluate the effects of the vertical component of earthquake on the response of pure-friction base-isolated asymmetric buildings. The pure-friction base-isolated asymmetric building is idealized as a three-dimensional single-storey building resting on sliding supports. The sliding surface is modeled by interface rigid contact elements. The response of this idealized system subjected to three-component (including vertical component) and two-component (excluding vertical component) of earthquake excitations is investigated. As an example, the Northridge 1994 earthquake record is used on the structural model. The performance of asymmetric pure-friction base-isolated system is investigated with the help of peak response ratio of sliding to fixed base systems. It is observed that the vertical component of the strong earthquake excitation, significantly affects the response of pure-friction base-isolated torsionally coupled system.