Seismic analysis of an asymmetric fixed base and base-isolated high-rack steel structure

Since, in the case of plan-eccentric, externally-braced, high-rack storage structures made of steel, damage to the central part of the structure can cause damage to the stored goods, and thus higher earthquake-induced costs, an investigation has been performed into the seismic performance of such structures. An actual structure was analysed both as a fixed base variant, and as a base-isolated variant. The extended N2 method (pushover analysis) was used, and the results obtained were compared with selected results obtained by nonlinear-dynamic analysis. The response of several different mass-asymmetric structural variants, corresponding to different occupancy levels of the structure, was analysed, and the results obtained are presented as floor plan projection envelopes of the top, relative and base displacements, as well as the storey drifts. An interesting result obtained in the research was that asymmetry can increase the damage in the supporting structure on the flexible side, and that the central part of the rack structure remains in the elastic region only when the eccentricity is small. In fact, from the seismic point of view, full occupancy is not the most critical condition, but rather lower occupancy, which could cause eccentricities ranging up to 10% or 15% of the larger floor plan dimension; this could lead to damage propagation in some of the columns. The application of base isolation has a positive effect on the management of seismic performance, even in the case of higher levels of occupancy and larger mass eccentricities. It is pointed out that an eccentricity of 5%, which is prescribed in Eurocode 8, might not be sufficient in such structural types, and that similar concerns could be present in other types of industrial structures with a similar ratio between live and dead loads.

► Mass eccentricity in storage racks depends on the occupancy level of the structure.
► Eccentricities could be larger than the accidental eccentricity prescribed by codes.
► The seismic performance has been analysed by static and dynamic nonlinear analyses.
► Lower occupancy causes larger eccentricities and is more critical as a full one.
► Torsional effects are substantially reduced by application of base isolation system.