Course on Seismic Protective Systems

Seismic Isolation and Damping Systems

University of Tabuk    Tabuk, Saudi Arabia     December 18-19, 2010

Seismic protective systems are technologies for mitigating the damaging effects of earthquakes on structures through the introduction of flexibility and/or energy absorption capability within the structural system.  The objective of adding the seismic protective system to a new or an existing construction is to deflect earthquake-induced energy away from the structure and/or dissipate part of the earthquake-induced energy in elements not forming part of the gravity framing system.  Key to this construction technique is limiting or eliminating inelastic action and damage to the gravity-load-resisting system, reduction of forces for the design of the foundation and, under certain conditions, reductions of accelerations and protection of non-structural systems .

 This course will introduce the audience to the theory and on the application of seismic protective systems in an approach that centers on implementation.  Selected applications of these technologies will be discussed, in which aspects of the analysis and design will be presented.   New and retrofit applications of these technologies in bridges, buildings, liquid storage tanks and offshore oil and gas platforms will be discussed.  Some new developments in understanding the behavior, including lifetime behavior, of isolators and in the development of new technologies will be described.  The scope of the course is to demonstrate the maturity of the technology and the range of its application, and to sufficiently educate the audience in the effective use of the technology.