Nonlinear seismic analysis of irregular base isolated structures using a new modified lateral load pattern

Nowadays, seismic isolation systems are increasingly used by engineers for retrofitting existing structures and designing new ones. Nevertheless, limited studies have been conducted on the performance evaluation of the nonlinear static analysis methods for estimating the seismic demands of the base isolated structures. The current study proposes a new modified lateral load pattern for seismic analysis of base isolated structures using modified capacity spectrum method (MCSM). Moreover, this study investigates the applicability of the modal pushover analysis (MPA) and modified capacity spectrum methods for assessing the base isolated structures with setback irregularity. To this end, two types of steel moment resisting structures including 3-story (low-rise) and 9-story (medium-rise) with different irregularities in elevation are considered. All the structures are isolated by three types of lead rubber bearing (LRB) isolators with various stiffnesses. In order to consider the effect of ground motion, two types of near-fault and far-fault ground motions are selected. To evaluate the performance of the MCSM and MPA methods, the structural seismic demands estimated by these methods are compared with their benchmark values obtained by the nonlinear time history analysis method. The obtained results show the superiority of the modified capacity spectrum method and the effectiveness of the new modified lateral load pattern presented for this method.