Dr. Maureira-Carsalade, Nelson

The most used global sensitivity analysis (GSA) method is based on variance. This is performed using Monte Carlo Sampling (MCS) or Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS). It requires a large sample to obtain accurate estimates. Density-based methods, such as the GSA PAWN, have been developed to reduce the sample size without compromising the result. PAWN is simpler than other methods because it uses cumulative density functions (CDF) instead of probability density. This method has been widely used in areas such as environmental engineering with very good results, reducing computation time. However, its use in structural engineering is incipient. The PAWN method was used to classify the design variables of the isolation system in relation to their sensitivity, and in relation to the seismic response of industrial storage racks. The above was analyzed in terms of the effectiveness of each variable to reduce the seismic demand using a novel base isolation kinematic device (BIKD). Racks with different combinations of their structural parameters such as the number of storage levels, the height between them, and isolation period, among others, were studied. The dimensions of the racks were chosen to match those that would later be experimentally tested on shaking table. An earthquake whose response spectrum matched the design spectrum of current Chilean regulations, was considered as seismic forcing. The maximum base shear load, the displacement of the top level of storage and the floor drift were considered as target responses to be studied. Fixed base racks (FBR), as reference, and base-isolated racks (BIR) were analyzed. The results showed the effectiveness of using the BIKD system in reducing all three-target responses up to one order of magnitude. Additionally, it was determined that the parameters that have the greatest influence on the response correspond to the number of storage levels and the height between them, both for FBR and BIR.

This research evaluates the effectiveness of using a roller-type base isolation device with tensile strength in reducing the dynamic response of industrial steel storage racks. These were subjected to a seismic input acting separately in both directions of the structure. The seismic record obtained from the earthquake that occurred in Llolleo, Chile, on 3 March 1985, was used as input. This earthquake was scaled in the frequency domain, adjusting its response spectrum to coincide with the design spectrum required by NCh2745. In the calculations of this spectrum, the most hazardous seismic zone (zone 3) and soft soil (soil III) that amplifies the effect of the low frequencies of the earthquake were considered. These frequencies are the ones that have the most affect on flexible structures such as high racks and systems with base isolation. Numerical time-history analyses were performed in fixed base racks and base isolation racks. In both cases, the models include semi-rigid connections with capacity for plastic deformation and energy dissipation. Parametric analyses were carried out considering the most relevant variables, using an algorithm programmed in MATLAB software. The maximum relative displacement, maximum basal shear load, and maximum absolute floor acceleration were considered as responses of interest. The results showed the effectiveness of using the base isolation device by reducing the absolute accelerations between approximately 75% and 90%, compared to the same fixed rack at its base. This makes it possible to reduce the vulnerability of the stored load to overturn under the action of a severe earthquake.