Hokkaido University Research Profiles

Japanese
Social Infrastructure

Ultimate Behavior Analysis of Seismically-Isolated Structures

To prepare for a mega earthquake

Our laboratory is developing advanced analysis techniques for seismic isolation systems, and can predict the ultimate behavior of seismically-isolated buildings in the event of a mega earthquake, and propose various countermeasures to prepare for a mega earthquake.

Content of research

In a seismically-isolated building, the seismic isolators deform softly during an earthquake, greatly reduce response acceleration in the superstructure and improve the seismic safety. On the other hand, ultimate events such as collisions with retaining walls and buckling or rupture of the seismic isolation bearings may occur for the ground motions exceeding design level caused by a mega earthquake such as the Nankai Trough Mega Earthquake. By using analysis technologies to precisely predict the ultimate behavior of seismically-isolated buildings, it is possible to foresee the occurrence of ultimate events and to consider countermeasures to suppress their occurrence.

  • Ultimate behavior of seismically-isolated buildings

  • Seismic response analysis of seismically-isolated buildings

  • Heat transfer analysis of elastomeric seismic isolation bearings

Potential for social implementation

  • ・Large deformation-restoring force hysteresis model of the seismic isolation devices
  • ・Mechanical model for three-dimensional coupled behavior of elastomeric seismic isolation bearings
  • ・Analysis system for coupled thermo-mechanical behavior of elastomeric seismic isolation bearings

Appealing points to industry and local governments

During the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, disaster prevention buildings with a seismic isolation system were not damaged by the tremors and could be used for rescue operations. However, the Nankai Trough Mega Earthquake, which is expected to occur in the near future, is predicted to cause long-period ground motions, posing a threat to seismically-isolated buildings. Using the analysis technology developed at our laboratory, we can predict the ultimate behavior of seismically-isolated buildings and propose various countermeasures.

2022/5/27Released