On the dynamic response of a building model equipped with multiple curved-surface sliders.

This paper is an exploratory study on the dynamic response of a building model equipped with multiple curved-surface sliders. By using, as benchmarks, numerical models of non-isolated and conventional base-isolated systems, it is possible to show the optimized acceleration response of a building with distributed isolation, for a wider frequency input range of the dynamic loading. A set of experimental tests on a 3D printed small-scale prototype also allows to demonstrate the good dynamic performance of the proposed system, providing a consistent background into new developments of this isolation technology. • A new modular building concept is presented, provided with an inter-story isolation system. • A 3D printed prototype is analyzed, with building blocks that can slide between each other. • The system exhibits a good performance for a wide range of input frequencies. • A FE model is validated, paving the way to subsequent parametric studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]