Seismic base-isolation has gained significant acceptance in earthquake resistant design all over the world. Several studies have established the long-term economic benefits of using base isolation as earthquake mitigation technique through lifecycle cost analysis. However, selection of design parameters of the isolation system is crucial as they essentially influence the structural responses, and consequently the economic benefits in the long run. Researchers have recommended optimum parameters for the commonly used lead-rubber bearing (LRB) base isolation system. Nevertheless, it is understood that the prescribed optimum ranges of the parameters do not necessarily minimize the peak floor acceleration and the inter-story drift ratio, which are the primary engineering demand parameters (EDPs) for the seismic loss assessment of building, simultaneously. Therefore, it is necessary to study the influence of the isolator parameters on the seismic response of base-isolated buildings, when reduction in the expected financial loss is of concern. Herein, influence of the LRB properties on the expected seismic loss of base-isolated building is investigated. The seismic loss assessment framework developed by Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) centre is used to estimate the expected financial loss. The expected financial losses due to earthquake damage, with and without considering the pounding at isolation level, are estimated for two different seismic hazard levels. It is observed that the characteristic parameters of the LRB, e.g. post- to pre-yield stiffness ratio and normalized yield strength, have noticeable effects on the peak responses at different floor levels, and consequently on the expected seismic loss of the building.

Assessment; Base Isolation; Benefits; Building; Cost Analysis; Demand Parameters; Design; Earthquake; Economic; Expected; Financial Loss; Floor Acceleration;