Limit State Behavior of Base Isolated Structures: Base Isolated Moment Frame with Impact on Steel Moat Wall

This experiment investigated the effects of pounding on a base isolated moment frame with a steel moat wall. For this experiment, a steel moat wall was placed between 4" and 6" from the base of the moment frame. The moment frame was excited horizontally to induce impact with the moat wall. A gravity frame was attached to the moment frame. It was free to move in the horizontal direction so as to not affect the motion of the moment frame. Concrete blocks were attached to the base of the moment frame structure for impact with the moat walls. The steel moat wall was initially not welded at its base but was uplifting due to the impact. Subsequently, it was welded to minimize the rocking at the base and testing continued.