Seismic isolation and control

A challenge in structural engineering is to find new and better means of designing new structures or of strengthening existing ones to withstand the damaging effects of earthquakes and protect the occupants and their contents. Seismic isolation and passive and active control represent design strategies which can significantly reduce the force and/or displacement demand on the protected structure so that damage is eliminated or reduced. Their potential is demonstrated by the recent wide implementation of seismic isolation systems, the first applications of passive energy systems and the intense interest, on-going research and emerging applications of active control system. This chapter describes the elements, behavior and mathematical representation of the components and the analysis of these-systems.