Seismic Behaviour Test of Rubber Base Isolation

using Developed Rubber Mat for Low-cost Housing

Arvie P. Cuamag
College of Engineering Education
University of Mindanao
Montevista, Philippines
arviecuamag1425@gmail.com
Kathlyn J. de Guzman
College of Engineering Education
University of Mindanao
Digos City, Philippines
kathlyndeguzman66@gmail.com
Ken Roldan P. Diamante
College of Engineering Education
University of Mindanao
Davao City, Philippines
kdiamante1199@gmail.com

into fragments of various sizes and shapes, combining them

I. INTRODUCTION
Different methods have been developed in recent years to
reduce the cost and weight of seismic isolators for housing
structures in developing nations [1]. Since it is intended to
allow a building to survive a potentially disastrous seismic
strike by proper initial design or subsequent adjustments, most
engineers seek to invent low cost solutions that focus on base
isolations. However, producing isolators is quite expensive,
especially when using an isolator as the basis isolator for a
residential building [2]. A cheap rubber base isolation system
is suggested as a solution to the problem. Instead of using thick,
solid steel plates, the suggested low-cost bearing system makes
use of thin, perforated steel plates. Since it has been shown that
it is difficult to give rubber a second chance and that the
vulcanization process is both extremely polluting and energy
intensive, prices can be further reduced by substituting natural
rubber with a recycled elastomer [1]. For low-cost houses in
developing countries, Recycled Rubber-Fiber Reinforced
Bearings (RR-FRBs) are a significant base isolation device [3].
Recycled Rubber-Fiber Reinforced Bearings (RR-FRBs)
have been validated as base isolation devices in a study by [3].
Their findings highlight the high potential of these inexpensive
bearings as base isolation devices for residential buildings,
confirming the possibility of significantly improving the
seismic performance of common structures by using the RR-
FRBs, which are inexpensive and simple to manufacture. The
research on low-cost base isolation systems for residential
dwellings in highly seismic regions is starting with a study on
base-isolated residential homes in those areas [2]. Lower costs
can be obtained by: (i) simplifying the installation process of
the devices, (ii) reducing energy consumption during
manufacturing process and (iii) using waste and recycled
materials [4]. Following this concept, by replacing virgin
rubber with a recycled, inexpensive elastomer, costs can be
further decreased while also reducing the threat posed by the
growing global supply of rubber trash. The weight and cost of
manufacturing the isolator could be decreased by using flexible
reinforcement, such as fiber [1]. However, rubber cannot be
easily reprocessed and is insoluble and infusible due to its
chemical structure and composition, making recycling it
difficult [3].
with a small amount of polyurethane, and then hot pressing or
cold forging the mixture to create recycled rubber pads.
Compared to a steel-reinforced isolator, the rubber and fiber
reinforcement combination performs better [5]. In light of this,
the study conducted by [6] came to the conclusion that rubber
and fiber reinforcement exhibit superior performance to steel
reinforcement in isolators. Lead Rubber Bearings are the most
widely used technology in seismic base isolation, because of its
technical and economic effectiveness and reliability [5].
The installation of recycled rubber-fiber reinforced bearings
is challenging and frequently necessitates highly skilled
workers and engineers. Rubber is combined with steel plates to
withstand axial loads of the building, and since different
structures have different loadings, it is important to conduct a
thorough analysis to know the limitations of the rubber base
isolation system. There is a common seismic device used in the
industry that utilizes the pendulum principle, but it is expensive
to install and only developed countries have manufacturers of
this type of foundation seismic isolation. To address post-
seismic damage, an approach to develop a more economic and
sustainable foundation seismic isolation can be done.
This study aims to develop a rubber mat out of locally
sourced recycled materials for low-cost houses. Specifically, it
aims to assess the seismic behaviour of the developed rubber
mat as part of a rubber base isolation system and identify its
safety index through analysis of structural and earthquake load
components using ETABS.
Rubber base isolation has become an established technology
used over the globe as an anti-seismic safety device for building
damage protection. Given that the Philippines is known to be
seismic prone, the implementation of the study would be
beneficial as to prevent more damages of low-cost houses
during earthquakes. Moreover, the conduct of the study would
also be a helpful tool in contributing to the holistic engineering
approach of building resilient structures.
The study will focus on developing a low-cost rubber mat
and evaluate its earthquake resilience behaviour and strength
using a specific seismic behaviour test. It will assess its
effectivity as part of a rubber base isolation system.

One of the essential methods for the sustainable management

of used tires revealed in the study of [1] is grinding them and
using the rubber particles to create a new environmentally
friendly polymer. These materials are made by grinding rubber

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