Dynamic Isolation Systems - Base Isolation

Summary

This video highlights the critical role of seismic isolation in protecting buildings, structures, and their contents during earthquakes. It showcases Dynamic Isolation Systems' leadership in the field, with over 400 completed projects worldwide. The use of lead rubber bearings (LRBs) decouples structures from seismic activity, reducing damage and enhancing safety. The video emphasizes the importance of seismic isolation in various buildings, from hospitals to museums and bridges, with examples like the Zindan and Tanzoo hospitals, as well as the Berkeley Public Safety Building. Seismic isolation also leads to cost savings and improved resilience in infrastructure.

Takeaways

• 😀 Earthquakes can occur anywhere and cause significant damage to structures, contents, and people inside them.
• 😀 Seismic isolation is a method used to reduce or eliminate earthquake-related damage by decoupling structures from the ground.
• 😀 Dynamic Isolation Systems is a global leader in seismic isolation, with over 400 completed projects in 18 countries over the past 30 years.
• 😀 Shake table demonstrations show how seismic isolation dramatically reduces the movement and damage of buildings during earthquakes.
• 😀 Lead Rubber Bearings (LRBs) are used in seismic isolation, combining rubber, steel, and a lead core to absorb seismic energy and reduce lateral movement.
• 😀 LRBs are installed under building columns or bridge piers and can be used in both new construction and retrofits of existing structures.
• 😀 Historic buildings, like the Utah State Capitol and the New Zealand Parliament, have been retrofitted with seismic isolators to protect them from earthquakes.
• 😀 Hospitals are prime candidates for seismic isolation, ensuring they remain operational after an earthquake, which is critical for saving lives.
• 😀 Emergency centers, fire stations, and other essential buildings are also often protected with seismic isolation to ensure immediate operational readiness.
• 😀 Seismic isolation is also beneficial for high-revenue buildings, museums, and bridges, providing both safety and cost savings, like in the JFK Light Rail Project and the Coronado Bridge.

Q & A

What is seismic isolation and how does it work?

Seismic isolation is a technique used to decouple a structure from the ground, so that during an earthquake, the building and its contents experience much less damage. It works by using systems such as lead rubber bearings (LRBs) to absorb and dissipate seismic energy.

How does Dynamic Isolation Systems (DIS) contribute to seismic isolation?

Dynamic Isolation Systems (DIS) is a world leader in seismic isolation, having completed over 400 projects and supplied nearly 20,000 isolators to 18 countries. They design and supply advanced seismic isolation solutions, including lead rubber bearings (LRBs), to protect buildings and infrastructure.

What is the function of lead rubber bearings (LRBs) in seismic isolation?

Lead rubber bearings (LRBs) are made of alternating layers of rubber and steel around a lead core. They provide high axial stiffness and low lateral stiffness, while the lead core absorbs and dissipates seismic energy, reducing the impact of ground motions on the structure.

Where have seismic isolators been used in historic buildings?

Seismic isolators have been used in prominent historic buildings, such as the Utah State Capitol in the United States and the Parliament House and Library in Wellington, New Zealand, to protect these structures from earthquake damage.

What benefits do hospitals gain from seismic isolation?

Hospitals benefit from seismic isolation as it ensures they remain operational immediately after an earthquake. This is critical for saving lives, as the contents of the building will be undamaged, allowing continued medical services.

Which hospitals are examples of large-scale seismic isolation projects?

Examples of large-scale seismic isolation projects include the Zindan Hospital in Taiwan (1.3 million square feet) and the Tanzoo Hospital in Taiwan (1.7 million square feet), both of which are protected by isolators designed by Dynamic Isolation Systems.

How does seismic isolation contribute to emergency management efforts?

Seismic isolation helps emergency centers, such as fire stations and public safety buildings, stay fully operational after an earthquake. This enables emergency management efforts to begin immediately, as these buildings and their contents remain unaffected by seismic events.

How has seismic isolation been applied in museums?

Seismic isolation is applied in museums to protect valuable and irreplaceable artifacts. For example, the Asian Art Museum in California, with its $7 billion collection, is protected by 200 base isolators from Dynamic Isolation Systems.

What role does seismic isolation play in bridge design?

Seismic isolation is used in bridges to enable them to withstand earthquake forces. It reduces the stress on bridge structures during seismic events. For example, the Coronado Bridge in San Diego uses seismic isolators to withstand potential ruptures along a major fault line.

How does seismic isolation reduce construction costs in projects like the JFK Light Rail?

Seismic isolation can reduce construction costs by decreasing the need for large foundations and footings. For the JFK Light Rail Project, this resulted in smaller foundations and eliminated the need to relocate underground services, providing significant cost savings.