What are Earthquake Isolators? Working Principle of Seismic Isolators and Buildings Where They Are Used

Earthquake isolators, also known as base insulation or earthquake insulation, are artificial building elements designed to prevent buildings from being damaged in earthquakes. These elements create a flexible layer between the building and the ground, allowing the building to move and absorb shocks during an earthquake.

Earthquake isolation is one of many technologies that help reduce earthquake damage. This technology is especially important for large structures such as high-rise buildings, bridges and industrial facilities. Earthquake isolation systems protect people’s lives and property by ensuring that buildings are less damaged in earthquakes and continue their functions.

Earthquake isolation systems are generally made of materials such as elastomeric insulation materials, mattresses, pillows and steel springs. These materials reduce earthquake damage by creating a flexible layer between the building and the ground, reducing friction between the building and the ground and allowing the building to move during an earthquake.

As a result, earthquake isolation systems are an important technology that helps make the places where people live, the buildings they work in and other structures safer against earthquakes.

Are there Earthquake Isolators in Türkiye?

Yes, earthquake isolators are used in Turkey. Especially in recent years, structures such as high-rise buildings, bridges and industrial facilities in our country have been equipped with earthquake isolation systems.

Turkey is located in one of the most active earthquake regions in the world, and earthquakes in our country have caused many losses of life and property. Therefore, the construction industry in Turkey attaches great importance to technological solutions such as earthquake isolation systems.

Earthquake isolation systems are also included in the earthquake regulations in Turkey and construction projects are carried out within the framework of the rules specified in this regulation. Additionally, many structures such as bridges and viaducts in Turkey have been strengthened using earthquake isolation systems.

As a result, earthquake isolation systems are widely used in Turkey and the use of this technology is important to protect people’s lives and property in areas with high earthquake risk.

What is the Working Principle of Earthquake Isolators?

Earthquake isolators basically work based on a mechanical principle. The isolators act as a platform separated from the building’s ground-fixed foundation and are isolated from the building’s vibrations originating from the ground. The working principle of earthquake isolators is similar to other mechanical systems that provide vibration isolation.

The mechanical principle used in earthquake isolators is to insulate the building independently of the ground, rather than tying it to the ground, by absorbing and managing vibration using a steel-structured rubber material (elastomer). This ensures that the building settles properly on the ground during an earthquake and prevents high vibration levels that damage the structure.

This principle allows the elastomeric material within the earthquake isolator to absorb and slow down the forces and earthquake movements applied to the structure. The elastomeric material absorbs energy and slows the movement of the building when subjected to tensile and compressive forces at high speeds.

Another mechanical principle is a system used to separate the structure from the ground. This principle works by reducing the friction between the structure and the ground, separating the structure from the movements of the ground. According to this principle, the movement of the building towards the ground during an earthquake is absorbed or slowed down, depending on the design of the earthquake isolator and the properties of the elastomeric material.

As a result, earthquake isolators work based on mechanical principles and help reduce earthquake damage by isolating the building from ground-borne vibrations.

In Which Buildings are Seismic Isolators Used in Turkey?

To give a few examples in Turkey;

Istinye Park Shopping Center in Istanbul was built using seismic isolation systems.
The Levent Loft project in Istanbul is equipped with seismic isolation systems and its height is up to 70 meters.
Armada Tower, located in Ankara, is another example where seismic isolation systems are used, with a height of 105 meters.
Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul was built with a capacity of 80 thousand people and was strengthened with seismic isolation systems.
Folkart Towers in Izmir is a 40-storey building built using seismic isolation systems.
Hillside Su Hotel, located in Antalya, is strengthened with seismic isolation systems.

These examples show that seismic isolation systems can be used in the design of different types of structures in Turkey.

So How Does Dear Arkirobo Evaluate the Cost of Seismic Isolators?

Seismic isolation systems come at a higher cost than traditional structural solutions. This requires the use of higher quality materials and the need for more working hours. However, the cost of seismic isolation systems can vary depending on the structure type, size, and many other factors.

For example, using a seismic isolation system in a building can increase cost depending on many factors, such as the structure and height of the building. Additionally, there may be additional costs such as maintenance of seismic isolation systems and spare parts supply.

However, seismic isolation systems can also provide significant financial and moral benefits to property owners and residents by reducing building damage. Especially in regions with high earthquake risk, using seismic isolation systems can play an important role in preventing damage and loss of life. Therefore, the cost of seismic isolation systems can be considered an investment in the long term, considering their potential benefits.

This article was written by ARKIROBO with AI technology.