Seismic isolation using scrap tire rubber pads

Base isolation is a technique, in which a structure is protected from the devastating effects of seismic forces or any other vibrations. The isolation is achieved by installing flexible elements at the base of the structure or elements that slide under lateral loads. Interestingly, a well-conceived base isolated structure saves precious lives and property worth millions of dollars. Base isolation is implemented since ancient days using a variety of materials, for instance, coal, marble, rubber, sand, tire, wood and other materials. In the present study, a three-storey shear frame, base isolated with Scrap Tire Rubber Pad (STRP) bearings has been analyzed. The response of this structure has been compared with that of an identical structure having a fixed base (without isolation). In both the cases natural frequencies and mode shapes have been computed through MATLAB. The response of the two cases show that the base isolation is very effective in the fundamental mode of vibration. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Conference on Advanced Materials Behavior and Characterization.