Frictional base isolation using a layered soil-synthetic liner system

The application of smooth geotextile liner materials to seismic base isolation of shallow foundations has been evaluated using laboratory testing and numerical analysis. Laboratory testing of single layer synthetic liner (SLS-L) base isolation systems included both shake table testing under sinusoidal and earthquake-like base inputs and dynamic centrifuge model tests using earthquake-like base inputs. Results of the laboratory tests indicate that the prototype system is an effective means of reducing the transmission of strong ground motions to foundations of structures. Based upon these results, a more sophisticated layered synthetic liner-soil (LSL-S) system is recommended for further investigation as a practical, effective, and economical means of seismic base isolation.