Optimal design of base-isolators in multi-storey buildings

The proper calibration of structural isolator devices should be carefully approached taking into account both the dynamical characteristics of the superstructure and the frequency content of the expected disturbance (Proc. 7th Intl. Seminar on Seismic Isolation, Passive Energy Dissipation and Active Control of Vibrations of Structures, 2001; Proc. of the 3rd World Conference on Structural Control, 2002; Proc. of the 15th Nordic Seminar on Computational Mechanics, 2002). To this purpose, in the paper one deepens some theoretical and practical features relevant to the problem of properly approaching the design of a base isolation device. The proposed procedure, developed on the basis of the knowledge of soil properties, is shown to be effective and flexible.