Experimental study on simplified above-ground seismic isolation technology for low-rise buildings of pump-station buildings

The application of seismic isolation technology in low-rise buildings such as pump station buildings to improve seismic performance is attracting increasing attention, focusing on the relevant characteristics of seismic isolation design for low-rise buildings, isolation layer with small diameter bearings and set on the internal floor was proposed in this research which is the low-cost, convenient for construction and waterproofing considerations. A two-storey structure containing no load-bearing columns or ring beams, was used as the model, and prepared at half-scale. Isolated and non-isolated models were designed and undergo a shaking table test for comparison. The reduction effect on the seismic response of the adopted isolation technology was investigated by comparing the dynamic characteristics, acceleration response, inter-storey displacement response, storey shear force, and shear-weight ratio of both the isolated and non-isolated models. The shaking table test demonstrated that the model incorporating the isolation technology and the proposed isolation layer construction had better seismic behaviour. When affected by a seismic wave with a peak acceleration of 800 gal (seismic Intensity of 10), the isolated model showed no visible signs of damage, and the bearings were favourably restored. When a seismic wave of peak acceleration 400 gal was applied, the aseismic ratio of the acceleration of the top floor, the rate of decrease of the maximum inter-storey displacement and the aseismic ratio of the base shear were 67%, 34%, and 68% respectively. With increasing seismic intensity, the isolated structure exhibited a greater reduction in seismic response. The research results provided a reference for studying simplified seismic isolation technology in pump station buildings and other low-rise buildings, and establishing relevant standards in rural China.