Scaled model test on cyclic response of footing on geotechnical seismic isolation layer

Abstract

Sand-rubber mixture (SRM) is widely considered as an energy-dissipating layer for vibration mitigation in soils. The present study is focused on using the SRM as an energy dissipation layer below building foundation referred to as the Geotechnical Seismic Isolation layer (GSI) which acts as a buffer to incoming vibrations. Geosynthetic reinforcement is included in the above GSI system to accentuate the damping mechanism and prevent seismic settlements during shaking. The present study aims to experimentally evaluate the dynamic response of the geogrid reinforced SRM-GSI system through scaled model tests. Model footing resting on the geogrid reinforced SRM-GSI system was subjected to continuous cyclic loads and the results are evaluated in terms of load-settlement response for different cycles of loading. It was observed that the geogrid reinforced SRM-GSI system is crucial in reducing the seismic settlement at various loading cycles and the soil-foundation system’s overall dynamic response.