To limit forces or displacements: Collapse study of steel frames isolated by sliding bearings with and without restraining rims

Sliding isolation bearings can provide enhanced seismic performance for both structural and non-structural components under design level earthquakes. However, the ultimate performance once the physical displacement limit is reached or exceeded has received little attention. One major difference in sliding isolation bearing designs around the world is the restraining rim design. In Europe, the code explicitly forbids any restraining rim in order …