The isolator lead core stops the structure from moving sideways under wind and other non-seismic loads. During earthquake events, the lead is pushed sideways by the rubber and steel layers absorbing a portion of the earthquake energy. This dampening affect helps to further reduce the earthquake forces and help control the lateral displacement of the structure. With Energy Dissipation Without Energy Dissipation Inter-story drift is reduced by a factor of approximately two with the installation of energy dissipaters. The deformation pattern of an isolated structure during an earthquake.
Movement takes place at the level of the isolators.
The deformation pattern of a conventional structure during an earthquake. Accelerations of the ground are amplified on the higher floors and the loose contents are damaged. Building deformations and distortions could be permanent. There are now 400 structures by seismic isolation in 17 countries. Neither the Construction Industry Institute nor Purdue University in any way endorses this technology or represents that the information presented can be relied upon without further investigation.