Evaluation of a new proposed seismic isolator for masonry walls

Masonry structures are relatively inexpensive and easier to construct compared to other types of structures such as steel and reinforced concrete buildings. However, they are relatively heavier, less ductile, and more vulnerable to damages in earthquakes. In this research, a new proposed low-cost seismic isolator made of rubber and steel rings (SISR) was used to reduce the seismic vulnerability of masonry walls. Two specimens of the proposed SISR were fabricated (placed on top of each other) and tested for horizontal displacement under a fixed vertical load condition according to ASCE 7-16 loading protocol. The proposed SISRs which out-performed the standard loading protocol of ASCE 7-16 were evaluated in a numerical study of the concrete block walls under Erzincan and Imperial Valley-06 earthquakes. ABAQUS finite element software was used for the structural modeling of the walls. The results showed the proper performance of the proposed SISRs in reducing the acceleration and preventing cracks in the masonry walls.