Study of Friction Pendulum (FPS) Isolation System in Seismic Control of Structures

Abstract

Base isolation systems are very effective in reducing the forces transmitted to the structure, either by
detuning the structure from the ground motion as in laminated rubber bearing system or by isolating the structure by
introducing a sliding layer between the structure and foundation raft, thereby limiting the forces transferred to the
structure. Pure friction system is the simplest sliding isolator consisting of a horizontal sliding surface; however, it may
experience large sliding and residual displacements, which are often difficult to incorporate in structural design. Several
systems have been suggested in the past to accommodate the restoring mechanism along with sliding in order to reduce
the sliding and residual displacements to manageable levels. The FPS is based on an innovative way of achieving a
pendulum motion. Based on our research study, it can be concluded that FPS system have several advantages and
disadvantages. Thus based on the requirements, optimum choice has to be made in choosing the parameters so that the
forces in the structure are reduced without compromising for sliding displacements.