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Although current code guidelines specify different seismic performance objectives for fixed-base and isolated buildings, the future of performance-based design will allow user-selected performance objectives, motivating the need for a consistent performance comparison of the two systems. Based on response history analysis to a suite of motions, constant ductility spectra are generated for fixed-base and isolated buildings. Both superstructure force (base shear) and deformation demands in base-isolated buildings are lower than in fixed-base buildings responding with identical deformation ductility. To compare the relative performance of many systems or to predict the best system to achieve a given performance objective, a response index is developed and used for rapid prototyping of response as a function of system characteristics. When evaluated for a life safety performance objective, the superstructure design base shear of an isolated building is competitive with that of a fixed-base building with identical ductility, and the isolated building generally has improved response. Isolated buildings can meet a moderate ductility immediate-occupancy objective at low design strengths, whereas comparable ductility fixed-base buildings fail to meet the objective. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2009)135:6(698) CE Database subject headings: Acceleration; Base isolation; Nonlinear analysis; Ductility; Performance characteristics; Response spectra; Seismic effects; Structural response.

In this study, the multihazard response of code-designed conventional and base-isolated steel frame buildings is evaluated using nonlinear response history analysis. The results of hazard and structural response analysis for 3-story moment-resisting frame buildings are presented in this paper. Three-dimensional models for both buildings are created, and seismic response is assessed for three scenario earthquakes. The response history analysis results indicate that the performance of the isolated building is superior to the conventional building in the design event. However, for the Maximum Considered Earthquake, the presence of outliers in the response data reduces confidence that the isolated building provides superior performance to its conventional counterpart. The potential causes of the outliers have been carefully evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]