Simplified analysis of a low-rise building seismically isolated with stable unbonded fiber reinforced elastomeric isolators

The seismic response of an ordinary low-rise base isolated (BI) structure, employing stable unbonded-fiber reinforced elastomeric isolator (SU-FREI) bearings, is predicted by using two different simplified analytical models. Subsequently, the accuracy of the two models is evaluated by using measured test results from a shake table study. Two models simulate the nonlinear experimental lateral load–displacement hysteresis loops of these bearings. The experimental hysteresis loops were obtained from cyclic shear tests on prototype bearings under a constant compression load. Because of the nonlinear lateral response behavior of the SU-FREIs, these models are employed in an iterative time-history analysis approach, enabling the model variables and the calculated peak lateral displacement of the bearings to converge to their unique values. Analysis results show that the presented simplified models may be used effectively in seismic response prediction of ordinary low-rise buildings that are seismically isolated by SU-FREI bearings.