Base Isolation Systems – A State of the Art Review According to Their Mechanism

Abstract

Seismic isolation is a method to reduce the destructive effects of earthquakes on a structure in which the structure is separated from its foundation by devices called seismic isolators. As a result, the horizontal movements of the earthquake transmitted to the structure are reduced. The seismic isolation is used for both newly constructed structures as well as for retrofitting the existing buildings. Due to the appropriate functioning of the isolators in past earthquakes, many structures are now equipped with these earthquake-resistant systems. So far, some review research works have been conducted on the seismic isolation techniques but in the limited and regional application form. In this paper, a historical evolutionary review of the isolation techniques has been conducted in chronological order. The methods of seismic isolation have been categorized based on their mechanism. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods are discussed. In addition, the latest advances and new methods developed in this field have been introduced.