Architectural design and applications of seismic isolators in Turkey

Abstract

Seismic safety of structures has been studied by many researchers in the world for years. This target has been changed as on-going structural functions just after earthquake. In order to reach to this target, it is necessary to develop new structural systems and technologies. The seismic isolation systems are the most common and developing system that has been widely used all over the world and Turkey. Especially in public hospitals in seismically prone zones, isolators use has become mandatory in Turkey. Researches have showed that improper architectural detail design lead to low performance of seismic isolators. This paper analyses the applications of seismic isolators in Turkey from architectural point of view. In all, 11 projects that used seismic isolators built in recent years are analysed. According to this study, these 11 projects are analysed according to cost, duration, seismic performance and construction properties. In addition to these, architectural details design such as stairs, elevator, façade, surrounding of building, electro -mechanical installations have been analysed to reach target seismic design performance. Based on the analysis results, important points that should be considered during architectural design phase of seismic isolators are summarised.