Seismic Isolation for Architects

Seismic isolation offers the highest degree of earthquake protection to buildings and their inhabitants. Modern applications of the technology are less than 50 years old and uptake in seismically active regions continues to soar.

Seismic Isolation of Buildings is a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice in this field. Based on the latest research findings and the authors’ extensive experience, coverage includes the application, effectiveness, benefits, and limitations of seismic isolation, as well as the architectural form, design aspects, retrofitting, economics, construction, and maintenance related to this method.

The book is written for an international audience: the authors review codes and practices from a number of countries and draw on examples from eleven territories including the US, Chile, Argentina, Italy, Japan, China, and New Zealand.

Aimed at readers without prior knowledge of structural engineering, the book provides an accessible, non-technical approach without using equations or calculations: instead, over 200 drawings, diagrams and images are used to support the text. Key reading for students on architecture and civil engineering courses looking for a clear introduction to seismic-resistant design, as well as architects and engineers working in seismically active regions.

Andrew Charleson is an Associate Professor in Building Structures at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

Between them, the authors have been actively involved in the design and construction of seismically isolated buildings and have visited and studied over 60 in 11 different countries.