Seismic retrofitting of an HV circuit breacker using base isolation with steel cable dampers. Part II: Shaking-table test validation

This paper addresses the experimental characterization of a new base-isolation system for the seismic qualification, of High Voltage (HV) ceramic circuit breakers, according to the European standard CEI EN 62271-207. The adopted solution is based on steel cable dampers, also known as Wire-Rope isolators. The results of a preliminary investigation of an HV circuit breaker, which was base-isolated with Wire Ropes, were previously illustrated in a companion paper in which the effectiveness of this new isolation system was analytically demonstrated. To validate these results, a shake table test campaign has been performed that comprises the performance analysis of two optimal isolation system configurations. The results, which are illustrated in this paper, show both the effectiveness of the new isolation system and the reliability of the proposed FE model.