Abstract
Geotechnical seismic isolation (GSI) has emerged as a potential technique to mitigate the effects of earthquakes, with many applications to structural configurations, such as bridges and buildings. It consists of absorbing the seismic energy from the soil to the superstructure by interposing a superficial soil layer in order to reduce the accelerations that filter from the soil to the structure. This mitigation technique is particularly suitable in developing countries since GSIs are low-cost seismic isolation systems that through relatively simple manufacturing processes allow to safe costs and stimulate many applications. The presented study aimed to perform 3D numerical finite element models that overcome the previous contributions by performing several structural configurations. Several historical earthquakes are considered in this paper, and the results may be applied to drive general assessments of the technique in case of future seismic hazards.
Highlights
Seismic base isolation using natural materials is a relatively new technique [1,2] with historical applications for several structures [3]
These reductions base of the structure. These reductions depend on the friction force that is proportional to the weight of the structure and that leads the shear depend on the friction force that is proportional to the weight of the structure and that leads the shear mechanism on which geotechnical seismic isolation (GSI) behavior is based
Similar conclusions were shown in Reference [43] that demonstrated that the use of rubber-soil mixtures (RSM) layers is beneficial mainly for mid-rise and high-rise buildings
Summary
Seismic base isolation using natural materials is a relatively new technique [1,2] with historical applications for several structures (such as buildings and bridges) [3]. Traditional base isolation suffers some limitations mainly due to costs (installation and maintenance of the devices) and exploring new methodologies that allow cost saving is important especially for developing countries, as shown in Reference [4]. In this regard, applications that apply different materials, including rubber-soil mixtures (RSM), geofoam, and geosynthetics, have become more frequent. Reference [12] proposed seismic isolators made of kart tyres filled with recycled elastomeric materials, following a green and environmentally friendly approach and tested via horizontal tests with static and dynamic loadings
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
