Application and design of 3D seismic isolation bearing in lattice shell structure

A three-dimensional seismic isolation bearing (3DSIB) was introduced. The 3DSIB was designed and applied in a single-layer spherical lattice shell structure with 40 m span by using a SAP2000 software. The original record of the Taft seismic wave was input into the shell structure in X, Y and Z directions, respectively in the model. The effectiveness of the 3DSIB was examined by time history analysis to the shell structural model in the SAP2000. It was shown that the isolated structure with 3DSIBs had better performance compared with the un-isolated structure in terms of the nodal absolute acceleration response as well as member axial force. It was found that the 3DSIB had good isolation function in both horizontal and vertical directions for shell structure under seismic conditions. Furthermore, the influence of horizontal and vertical stiffness of 3DSIB on the structural period, structural member peak axial force and nodal absolute acceleration were analysed. The variation of the structural responses under different conditions was discussed. The results will provide references for parameter design of the bearing in spatial structures. The purpose of this research is to introduce the new 3DSIB and promote the practical application of bearings in spatial structures.