Numerical investigation on seismic performance of a shallow buried underground structure with isolation devices

A design procedure for improving the seismic performance of unequal-span underground structures by installing isolation devices at the top end of columns is proposed based on the seismic failure mode of frame-type underground structures and the design concept of critical support columns. A two-dimensional finite element model (FEM) for a soil-underground structure with an unequal-span interaction system was established to shed light on the effects of a complex subway station with elastic sliding bearings (ESB) and lead rubber bearings (LRB) on seismic mitigation. It was found that the stiffness and internal force distribution of the underground structure changed remarkably with the installation of isolation devices at the top end of the columns. The constraints of the beam-column joints were significantly weakened, resulting in a decrease in the overall lateral stiffness and an increase in the structural lateral displacement. The introduction of the isolation device effectively reduces the internal force and seismic damage of the frame column; however, the tensile damage to the isolation structure, such as the roof, bottom plate, and sidewall, significantly increased compared to those of the non-isolation structure. Although the relative slip of the ESB remains within a controllable range under strong earthquake excitation as well as frame columns with stable vertical support and self-restoration functions, the LRB shows a better performance during seismic failure and better lateral displacement response of the unequal-span underground structure. The analysis results provide new ideas and references for promoting the application of seismic isolation technology in underground structures.