Controlled Rocking Systems for Enhanced Seismic Resilience: State of the Art

Sustainable development requires attention not only to initial costs, but also to long-term performance. Although common structural systems can be designed economically to protect the lives of users during an earthquake, most cannot easily be designed to be usable after an earthquake. As an alternative, controlled rocking systems are being developed to economically provide not only life safety, but also seismic resilience. This paper gives an overview of the research that has demonstrated the seismic performance of controlled rocking systems in concrete, steel, timber, and masonry. Although most practical implementations have been in low- to mid-rise buildings, recent research has shown that multiple mechanisms could make controlled rocking systems competitive for taller structures.