Comparison of adaptive magnetorheological elastomer isolator and elastomeric isolator in near-field and far-field earthquakes

Magnetorheological Elastomers (MREs) are widely used in the development of smart isolators and absorbers due to their stiffness and damping adaptability. This study investigates the performance of MRE isolators and elastomeric isolators in both near- field and far-field earthquakes in base-isolated benchmark buildings. All earthquakes were simultaneously investigated in two horizontal directions on the horizontal plane. Vertical earthquakes were not considered in the dynamic analysis of base-isolated benchmark buildings. The effect of bilateral interaction was also examined while making an isolator model. Moreover, the behaviors of MRE isolators and Magnetorheological (MR) dampers were compared. To this end, three control systems including adaptive isolator, passive isolator, and semi-active MR damper were taken into account. The results showed that the MRE isolator outperformed the elastomeric isolator in near-field earthquakes due to its variable stiffness and damping. In addition, the semi-active MR damper for both far-field and near-field earthquakes signicantly reduced base displacement; however, it increased oor accelerations, story drifts, and story shear. The results of this study showed that MRE isolator could be an appropriate substitute for MR damper. The MRE isolator could reduce base displacement without increasing other responses.