This document analyzes the seismic performance of a symmetrical 6-story building modelled both with and without base isolators. Finite element software is used to model the building and conduct response spectrum analysis. Key findings include:
1) The building with base isolators experienced increased lateral displacements but significantly reduced inter-story drift, base shear, bending moment, and shear force compared to the fixed base building.
2) The natural period and frequencies of the building were substantially increased and decreased, respectively, when base isolators were included.
3) Steel reinforcement requirements in the bottom floor columns were reduced by incorporating base isolators.
4) In general, the study found that seismic performance of the building was