Assessing the suitability of equivalent linear elastic analysis of seismically isolated multi-storey buildings

Although seismic isolation systems exhibit non-linear inelastic behavior, simplified linear elastic analysis is frequently used for the analysis of multi-storey seismically isolated buildings. Equivalent linearized models, which are proposed in the literature, are assessed through parametric studies, using a specially-developed software. The aim is to obtain an insight on their suitability and identify how that may be affected by certain parameters. The results indicate that the estimation of the effective characteristics influences considerably the computed response. Linear elastic analysis may be used in the preliminary design. However, for analysis and research purposes, the more accurate bilinear inelastic analysis should be used.