Field testing of gravel-rubber mixtures as geotechnical seismic isolation

Abstract We present the results of forced-vibration experiments performed at large-scale prototype structure EuroProteas founded on gravel-rubber mixture (GRM) layers acting as a means Geotechnical Seismic Isolation (GSI). Three GRM with different rubber content per weight (0%, 10%, and 30%) but same mean grain size ratio were used foundation soil. Each GRM-structure system was subjected to harmonic forces in wide range excitation frequencies force amplitude. It found that 0.5 m thick soil layer 30% can effectively isolate structure. The strong effect fraction expressed detected period elongation dominating rocking component which leads more “rigid-body” response Moreover, developed base shear moment are significantly reduced regardless frequency, while increased damping important energy dissipation demonstrate effectiveness layer. Overall, experimental demonstrated use GSI be considered low-cost alternative seismic isolation technique.