Seismic protection of a single-layer spherical lattice shell structure using a separated three-dimensional isolation system

Vertical and three-dimensional (3D) isolation systems are emerging control technologies for spatial grid structures in high seismic intensity regions. Recently, multistage vertical isolation bearings (MVIBs) based on prepressed spring devices (PSDs) have been proposed to support the lattice shell and prevent the transfer of vertical ground motion components to the structure. Seismic dampers can be further combined with an MVIB to develop a hybrid bearing with a damping capacity. In this study, the vertical load-carrying and isolation mechanisms underlying the MVIB configuration were investigated in detail. A series of proof-of-concept tests were conducted on a prototype MVIB comprising four identical PSDs to study its actual mechanical behavior. The test results indicated that the MVIB specimen exhibited multilinear elastic behavior with enhanced load resistance. The key parameters of the tested bearing, such as the transition force and isolation stiffness, increased linearly with the number of PSDs. The MVIB model was subsequently refined using ABAQUS to comprehensively understand the mechanical performance of the spring isolator. Following a device-level study, a single-layer spherical lattice shell was used as the research target. The damped MVIBs and friction pendulum bearings were arranged at the roof supports and column bases, respectively, and the stiffness and energy dissipation properties of these isolators were designed. A system-level seismic analysis was conducted using OpenSees to compare the triaxial dynamic responses of the target structure before and after isolation. The results indicated that the separated 3D isolation system achieved its intended design goals and effectively protected the lattice shell structure from tridirectional seismic shaking.