Seismic performance of buildings with novel self‐centering base isolation system for earthquake resilience

This study presents a novel self-centering (SC) base isolation system enabled by traditional lead rubber bearing (LRB) incorporating superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) U-shaped dampers (hereinafter referred to as SMA-LRB). is particularly suitable for some important structures (e.g., hospital buildings) that require high seismic performance and rapid recovery of normal serviceability after severe earthquake. The working mechanism the SMA-LRBs first illustrated, followed comparative experimental on LRB emerging SMA-LRB. Test results confirm satisfactory flag-shaped hysteresis loops SMA-LRB associated with significantly reduced residual deformation under cyclic loading. Subsequently, refined numerical modeling strategy these bearings developed. performances are examined systematically through two reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings, namely, traditionally isolated SC cases far- near-field earthquakes. Seismic fragility analyses further carried out incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). responses demonstrate building can match or improve behavior buildings. Compared considerable earthquake events, exhibits negligible avoid disruption while achieving high-performance objectives. provide promising type advanced protection device resilient design.