Seismic Isolators : Isolating the catastrophe
Technology

Seismic Isolators : Isolating the catastrophe

Though 81 percent of the strongest earthquakes on earth occur along the circum-Pacific seismic belt, which is often referred to as the "Ring of Fire." The Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt extending up to Andaman-Nicobar island region, is also known to be one of the seismically active belts of the world.

Due to a surge in development activities brought on by urbanisation, economic expansion, and the globalisation of India's economy, the risk of earthquakes has increased. After an earthquake, severe financial losses that cause the local or regional economy to collapse could have long-term negative effects on the entire nation. In the event that a megacity like Delhi or Mumbai is affected by an earthquake, this effect would be amplified even further.

All the elements of the built environment including tall buildings have to constantly remain in the shadow of tremors which can cause havoc, in such cases use of seismic isolators can reduce the intensity of damage caused by an earthquake and minimise the loss of life and property.

Seismic isolation is the process of installing isolation devices beneath a building to shield it from major earthquakes. Japan has used it to good effect. The number of seismic isolated buildings exceeds 4000. The National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo was built in 1958 by Shimizu Corporation and was originally designed by Le Corbusier, a well-known architect of the 20th century. In 1998, the seismic isolation retrofit was used to renovate this museum . The seismic isolation retrofit was first implemented in Japan at the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo.

Since the 1980s, the seismic isolation method has been studied and used in buildings. The columns and beams of the conventional earthquake-resistant design are constructed to be sturdy and adaptable enough to withstand earthquake motions. This method is used to design and construct the vast majority of buildings. When a typical building experiences a powerful earthquake, it may be able to avert collapse and save its occupants' lives. However, the building's furnishings and equipment will almost certainly fall, and the building's structural components may sustain significant damage.

Under the building, isolation devices are installed to separate the structure from earthquake motions. The building's shaking can be significantly reduced with seismic isolation. Laminate rubber bearings have made it possible to use the seismic isolation method.

In order to lessen the bearings' deformation in the event of an earthquake, the seismic isolation method requires the installation of energy-absorbing devices alongside laminated rubber bearings. Layers of rubber and steel make up a lead-rubber bearing, which has a solid lead plug in the center. The lead plug is a device for absorbing energy. Special rubbers are used in high-damping rubber bearings to significantly dampen motion and dissipate energy.

Across India the feasibility of using seismic isolators needs to be studied carefully. A lot of buildings can use this method to shield themselves from the severe impact of earthquakes. These retrofits should also be a part of the smart cities mission to make existing and upcoming cities smarter.

Though 81 percent of the strongest earthquakes on earth occur along the circum-Pacific seismic belt, which is often referred to as the Ring of Fire. The Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt extending up to Andaman-Nicobar island region, is also known to be one of the seismically active belts of the world. Due to a surge in development activities brought on by urbanisation, economic expansion, and the globalisation of India's economy, the risk of earthquakes has increased. After an earthquake, severe financial losses that cause the local or regional economy to collapse could have long-term negative effects on the entire nation. In the event that a megacity like Delhi or Mumbai is affected by an earthquake, this effect would be amplified even further. All the elements of the built environment including tall buildings have to constantly remain in the shadow of tremors which can cause havoc, in such cases use of seismic isolators can reduce the intensity of damage caused by an earthquake and minimise the loss of life and property. Seismic isolation is the process of installing isolation devices beneath a building to shield it from major earthquakes. Japan has used it to good effect. The number of seismic isolated buildings exceeds 4000. The National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo was built in 1958 by Shimizu Corporation and was originally designed by Le Corbusier, a well-known architect of the 20th century. In 1998, the seismic isolation retrofit was used to renovate this museum . The seismic isolation retrofit was first implemented in Japan at the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo. Since the 1980s, the seismic isolation method has been studied and used in buildings. The columns and beams of the conventional earthquake-resistant design are constructed to be sturdy and adaptable enough to withstand earthquake motions. This method is used to design and construct the vast majority of buildings. When a typical building experiences a powerful earthquake, it may be able to avert collapse and save its occupants' lives. However, the building's furnishings and equipment will almost certainly fall, and the building's structural components may sustain significant damage. Under the building, isolation devices are installed to separate the structure from earthquake motions. The building's shaking can be significantly reduced with seismic isolation. Laminate rubber bearings have made it possible to use the seismic isolation method. In order to lessen the bearings' deformation in the event of an earthquake, the seismic isolation method requires the installation of energy-absorbing devices alongside laminated rubber bearings. Layers of rubber and steel make up a lead-rubber bearing, which has a solid lead plug in the center. The lead plug is a device for absorbing energy. Special rubbers are used in high-damping rubber bearings to significantly dampen motion and dissipate energy. Across India the feasibility of using seismic isolators needs to be studied carefully. A lot of buildings can use this method to shield themselves from the severe impact of earthquakes. These retrofits should also be a part of the smart cities mission to make existing and upcoming cities smarter.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement