Seismic Response Prediction of Multiple Base-Isolated Structures for Monitoring

The seismic response of multiple base-isolated structures is here evaluated through both iterative linearization and numerical solution of the nonlinear structure subjected to stochastic dynamic excitation with the purpose of predicting the behavior of a monitored system. An analytical procedure is used to determine the second-order response statistics of a simple model composed by linear superstructures posed on a common nonlinear base isolation system. The seismic excitation is modeled as a zero-mean filtered white noise and combined with the system equation of motion in an augmented state space representation. Different levels of seismic magnitudes are investigated, and preliminary results are presented here. The study furnishes insights for the design of a permanent seismic monitoring system of the four parts composing the building superstructure of the Department of Human Science at University of L'Aquila laying on a common base isolation system.