R. Kamgar, H. Pooladi Baghbadorani, H. Heidarzadeh,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (11-2025)
Abstract
Controlling vibrations in short-period structures subjected to seismic loading is crucial for improving the seismic performance of the structure. This paper investigates friction pendulum isolators with both constant and variable radius as a means to enhance the seismic behavior of structures. Friction pendulum isolators with a constant radius are susceptible to intensification phenomena in near-field earthquakes. Modifying the isolator radius leads to changes in its period and stiffness, thereby mitigating the amplification effect. The study first models and validates the friction pendulum isolator with a constant radius using ABAQUS software. Subsequently, the performance of these isolators, both with constant and variable radius, is examined under harmonic loading to improve structural behavior. The results show that variable radius pendulum friction isolators have been able to increase energy absorption by an average of 25%, 41%, and 14%, respectively, in response to near- and far-field earthquakes such as the Manjil, Loma Prieta, and Northridge earthquakes. This reduces the transfer of earthquake forces to the structure and maintains the integrity of the structure during an earthquake.
