Final answer:
Base isolation is most effective for Low-rise buildings due to their relatively shorter stature, allowing them to move more effectively with the base isolation system during seismic events. The effectiveness diminishes for taller structures like skyscrapers, which require more complex seismic protection systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Base isolation is most effective for Low-rise buildings. When comparing different building heights such as low-rise, mid-rise, high-rise, and skyscrapers, it's essential to understand that base isolation is a seismic protection system allowing the building to move independently from the ground motion, essentially isolating it from the earth's movements.
If we estimate the heights of buildings based on the number of stories, we can assume that not all stories are of the same height, and this variability impacts the total height of the building. However, mid-rise buildings, which are typically lower than high-rise buildings, may also benefit from base isolation to a certain degree. The effectiveness diminishes with taller structures like skyscrapers due to the different dynamics involved in such tall structures, which would likely require more complex and bespoke seismic protection systems.
When assessing the effectiveness of base isolation, it is also important to consider the characteristics of the seismic activity in the region along with the specific design and construction features of the building in question.