Comparison of the seismic performance of a partial mass isolation technique with conventional TMD and base-isolation systems under broad-band and narrow-band excitations

•A PMI system is proposed as an alternative to conventional TMD and BI systems.•The PMI system provides a building with inherent dynamic vibration suppressors.•The PMI effectiveness under broad- and narrow-band excitations is investigated.•A PMI system at a low IMR exhibits dynamic characteristics like an equivalent TMD.•At a high IMR, the system performs similar to an ideal BI technique.