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Current design codes generally use an equivalent linear approach for preliminary design of a seismic isolation system. The equivalent linear approach is based on effective parameters, rather than physical parameters of the system, and may not accurately account for the nonlinearity of the isolation system. This article evaluates an alternative normalized strength characterization against the equivalent linear characterization. Considerations for evaluation include: (1) ability to effectively account for variations in ground motion intensity; (2) ability to effectively describe the energy dissipation capacity of the isolation system; and (3) conducive to developing design equations that can be implemented within a code framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]