Development and performance evaluation of an innovative low-cost seismic isolator

This paper proposes an innovative low-cost isolator with lightweight and cost-effective features for use in low-rise residential buildings. The low-cost laminated isolator is formed by plastic shims with unsaturated polyester fiber reinforcement between rubber layers. Performance tests are systematically carried out to characterize the isolator in terms of mechanic behavior (e.g., compression, shear, and their relationship), dynamic properties (e.g., damping), and ultimate states. A design guideline and associated criteria of the low-cost isolator are also provided and discussed in this study. To investigate more detailed behavior, a finite element model of the isolator is developed in ABAQUS and calibrated by the experimental data. The research presented in this paper makes significant contributions to the evaluation of the peak stress and strain demands on isolator’s components and provides technical support for the design and manufacturing of this new type of isolator.