Shake-table testing of unreinforced fly ash brick masonry model with unreinforced elastomeric isolator

Abstract Seismic isolation techniques are widely used to mitigate earthquake-induced damage in structures; however, their application in low-cost unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings remains limited. This study investigates the effectiveness of Unreinforced Elastomeric Isolators (UEIs) for improving...

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Main Authors: Zoheb Nawaz Md, Mohan S. C., Sri Kalyana Rama Jyosyula
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-06-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-04549-5
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author Zoheb Nawaz Md
Mohan S. C.
Sri Kalyana Rama Jyosyula
author_facet Zoheb Nawaz Md
Mohan S. C.
Sri Kalyana Rama Jyosyula
author_sort Zoheb Nawaz Md
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Seismic isolation techniques are widely used to mitigate earthquake-induced damage in structures; however, their application in low-cost unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings remains limited. This study investigates the effectiveness of Unreinforced Elastomeric Isolators (UEIs) for improving the seismic resilience of URM structures through comprehensive shake-table testing. A half-scale, single-story masonry model was constructed based on similitude laws and tested under both isolated and non-isolated conditions. The UEI was designed and experimentally characterized before implementation. Free and forced vibration tests were conducted to determine the natural frequencies of the model, followed by shake table tests simulating seven earthquake ground motions. Results indicate that the non-isolated model experienced significant acceleration amplification, whereas the isolated model demonstrated reduced roof acceleration and overall seismic force transmission. Despite observable rocking motion in the isolated case, the total roof displacement was lower than in the non-isolated scenario. Comparisons of base shear and overturning moments further confirmed the improved seismic performance of the UEI-supported model. These findings highlight UEIs as a promising, cost-effective solution for seismic protection of masonry structures, paving the way for further optimization and real-world implementation.
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spelling doaj-art-14443d5bce6549c8a9dd33207c8049122025-08-20T02:05:49ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-06-0115112010.1038/s41598-025-04549-5Shake-table testing of unreinforced fly ash brick masonry model with unreinforced elastomeric isolatorZoheb Nawaz Md0Mohan S. C.1Sri Kalyana Rama Jyosyula2Department of Civil Engineering, BITS Pilani Hyderabad CampusDepartment of Civil Engineering, BITS Pilani Hyderabad CampusDepartment of Civil Engineering, Ecole Centrale School of Engineering, Mahindra UniversityAbstract Seismic isolation techniques are widely used to mitigate earthquake-induced damage in structures; however, their application in low-cost unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings remains limited. This study investigates the effectiveness of Unreinforced Elastomeric Isolators (UEIs) for improving the seismic resilience of URM structures through comprehensive shake-table testing. A half-scale, single-story masonry model was constructed based on similitude laws and tested under both isolated and non-isolated conditions. The UEI was designed and experimentally characterized before implementation. Free and forced vibration tests were conducted to determine the natural frequencies of the model, followed by shake table tests simulating seven earthquake ground motions. Results indicate that the non-isolated model experienced significant acceleration amplification, whereas the isolated model demonstrated reduced roof acceleration and overall seismic force transmission. Despite observable rocking motion in the isolated case, the total roof displacement was lower than in the non-isolated scenario. Comparisons of base shear and overturning moments further confirmed the improved seismic performance of the UEI-supported model. These findings highlight UEIs as a promising, cost-effective solution for seismic protection of masonry structures, paving the way for further optimization and real-world implementation.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-04549-5Unreinforced elastomeric isolatorShake table-testingUnreinforced fly ash brick masonryBase isolationLow-cost isolation system
spellingShingle Zoheb Nawaz Md
Mohan S. C.
Sri Kalyana Rama Jyosyula
Shake-table testing of unreinforced fly ash brick masonry model with unreinforced elastomeric isolator
Scientific Reports
Unreinforced elastomeric isolator
Shake table-testing
Unreinforced fly ash brick masonry
Base isolation
Low-cost isolation system
title Shake-table testing of unreinforced fly ash brick masonry model with unreinforced elastomeric isolator
title_full Shake-table testing of unreinforced fly ash brick masonry model with unreinforced elastomeric isolator
title_fullStr Shake-table testing of unreinforced fly ash brick masonry model with unreinforced elastomeric isolator
title_full_unstemmed Shake-table testing of unreinforced fly ash brick masonry model with unreinforced elastomeric isolator
title_short Shake-table testing of unreinforced fly ash brick masonry model with unreinforced elastomeric isolator
title_sort shake table testing of unreinforced fly ash brick masonry model with unreinforced elastomeric isolator
topic Unreinforced elastomeric isolator
Shake table-testing
Unreinforced fly ash brick masonry
Base isolation
Low-cost isolation system
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-04549-5
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AT mohansc shaketabletestingofunreinforcedflyashbrickmasonrymodelwithunreinforcedelastomericisolator
AT srikalyanaramajyosyula shaketabletestingofunreinforcedflyashbrickmasonrymodelwithunreinforcedelastomericisolator