Energy dissipation efficiency of geotechnical seismic isolation with gravel-rubber mixtures: Insights from FE Non-Linear Numerical Analysis

<p dir="ltr">This paper provides new and useful insights into the performance and efficiency of geotechnical seismic isolation (GSI) systems with gravel-rubber mixtures containing 10%, 25% and 40% volumetric rubber content (<i>VRC</i>). Finite element numerical models were developed in OpenSees and subjected to sinusoidal ground motions with varying input base acceleration and frequency. The best seismic performance was attained for <i>VRC</i> = 40% at a frequency of 8 Hz. Using a newly developed GSI efficiency index, the energy dissipation efficiency of <i>VRC</i> = 40% was found to vary between good to excellent, while that of <i>VRC</i> = 10% and 25% is poor.</p>