KF Structural provides Specialty Structural Engineering services for base isolation components and offers consulting and design services for structural and non-structural base isolation applications.
Base isolation is a method used to reduce both seismic force and seismic accelerations imparted on a building or bridge Structure, or on Tools or Equipment (non-structures), by effectively decoupling the Structure laterally from the foundation.
Building Structures
Base isolation is generally done at the foundation, or “base” level, however isolation has also been implemented at intermediate floors and at roof levels. Base isolation is a strong candidate for hospitals, data centers, historic buildings, apartment complexes, educational facilities, and emergency response centers.
Non-structural
Tools, equipment, and most all elements that are not classified as building structures, fall under the “Non-structural” scope. Non-structural base isolation is similar to building or bridge isolation, only performed on a smaller scale and typically with spring and damping systems as opposed to bearing systems such as Lead Rubber Bearings. Non-structural isolation can be implemented on individual components such as a transformer, motor control center, high value Tools, or artwork, or can be implemented on larger areas such as entire data center floors or containerized data centers. Non-structural base isolation is a strong candidate for any application where continued performance is desired or required and where the Tools or Equipment are sensitive to vibrations.
