Seismic Isolation: New Zealand Applications

Seismic isolation of structures has been applied in New Zealand since 1973. To date approximately 45 bridges, 3 large buildings and a few other structures have been protected with this technique. These include 40 bridges and 2 buildings designed by Works and Development Services Corporation (NZ) Ltd (WORKS). Numerous energy dissipating devices have been developed and tested by New Zealand researchers. Six of these designs have proved to be convenient and economical and have been incorporated in the seismic isolation systems of the structures built. Development work on seismic isolation devices is continuing in New Zealand and contact with specialists from other countries - in particular from Japan and the United States of America - is being maintained. Seismic isolation has been found to be a cost effective means of mitigating earthquake effects, particularly if the long term benefits of reduced seismic damage and disruption are taken into consideration.