New design approach for base-isolation of essential sanitary facilities in high-seismicity zones of Colombia

Base isolation is one of the most innovative and successful solutions for seismic protection of building structures. In countries like Japan, China, Russia, Italy and USA, there are numerous isolated buildings. On the other hand, some Latin American countries (such as Chile, Colombia and Peru) have been making significant progress in the implementation of this technology, although the number of applications is still moderate. Colombia and Peru merely refer to US regulations, while Chile has its own seismic isolation code, although is strongly inspired by the US rules. Moreover, US guidelines are worldwide imitated in many other countries. Throughout the world it can be easily observed that seismic isolation is apparently less spread in countries where American regulations are considered. Therefore, the presumable excess of conservatism of such regulations might contribute to delay the worldwide development of base isolation. The objective of this paper is to analyze the design codes for base isolation of Japan, China, Italy, USA and Chile with the aim of comparing their requirements. The final goal is to investigate the need of developing regulations governing the application of this technology in Colombia. For this purpose, a sanitary prototype building located in a high seismicity zone of Colombia is analyzed as a case study. Initially, this building is designed as fixed-base according to Colombian design code; then the isolated building is re-designed according to the aforementioned considered regulations. Obtained results are compared and conclusions are issued.