In seismic regions the vulnerability of buildings to earthquakes poses significant challenges, particularly in underdeveloped and developing nations where resources for robust and resilient infrastructure are limited. The research objective was to develop low-cost scrap-tire pad (STP) isolators to mitigate earthquake effects on unreinforced masonry buildings, which are prevalent in underdeveloped and developing nations due to their affordability and ease of production. Experimental testing was undertaken to ascertain the mechanical characteristics of STP isolators derived from car tires, considering variations in treaded portions and different layer stacking configurations under both layer bonded and unbonded conditions. Through experimental testing, selected mechanical characteristics such as the shear strain capacity, lateral and vertical stiffness, lateral damping ratio, and stiffness ratio were evaluated and discussed. Of the four categories considered, detreaded layer bonded STP isolators (DLB-STP) are recommended for further investigation and future application because of the comparatively high average shear strain capacity and stiffness ratio, while also demonstrating better consistency in mechanical properties.
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