Seismic Isolation of An Asymmetric Structure: Taipei Performing Art Center

Abstract eng:
This paper describes the performance-based seismic design of the Taipei Performing Art Center (TPAC) in Taiwan, utilizing seismic-isolation concept with friction-pendulum devices. TPAC will be the new international-standard performing arts facility for the capital of Taiwan. The design, by the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), was the winner in a two-stage international design competition held in 2008, and was selected from a total of 135 entries from 24 countries (Figure 1). TPAC is a public project for the city of Taipei and situated in a busy urban location. The site currently contains a street food market, and is adjacent to the famous Shilin Night Market as well as a mass-transit station. TPAC, at over 40,000 square meters, is believed to be the first use of friction pendulum isolators in Taiwan. The building’s complex geometry and irregular mass distribution led to the realization that the most-efficient and direct way to achieve the required performance in such a highly seismic area would be to base isolate the superstructure. The irregularity also led to the decision to use Friction Pendulum (FP) type isolators. These are considered to have better structural performance compared to alternatives due to higher damping and lower base shear forces, simpler connection detailing at the isolation plane, and inherent selfcentering behaviour. In the proposed structural scheme, 89 isolators (located at basement level) work in conjunction with the steel braced superstructure to give the most efficient, economic, and highest performance building possible for the challenging site location. The structural system was analyzed using equivalent static, linear dynamic and time history procedures, including a "beyond the code requirement” investigation of the structural members at MCE hazard with recommended acceptance criteria per the selected performance objectives. A comparative study is performed showing the effectiveness of the current code based analysis and design procedures. In overall, the seismically isolated structure met and surpassed the performance objectives while achieving a 60% reduction in the base shear, significant decrease in story drift and floor accelerations. Construction started in February 2012 and the center is scheduled to open in 2016. Taipei city council expects the center to further facilitate the development of local performing groups and add to Taipei’s image as an international cultural hub.

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