Correction of Extreme Torsional Irregularities in Buildings Through the Use of Seismic Isolation

Abstract

The occurrence of earthquakes in densely populated seismic zones, particularly in western Argentina, has revealed significant human and economic losses. In this context, seismic isolation emerges as an effective strategy to reduce structural vulnerability to ground motion effects. However, its application in buildings with irregular structural configurations introduces additional challenges, especially those related to torsional demands. This study analyzes the seismic response of a structure with a high degree of torsional irregularity, evaluating the hypothesis that incorporating a seismic isolation system can reduce such irregularities to acceptable levels according to code requirements. The dynamic responses of a fixed-base model and an isolated model using elastomeric bearings are compared under various configurations. The results confirm the effectiveness of seismic isolation in mitigating torsional irregularities and improving the overall seismic performance of the structure.