The principle of base isolation for earthquake protection of buildings is a simple one: the uncoupling of a building from ground motion. Turning the concept into practical and reliable systems has nevertheless involved decades of development. Fifteen years ago base isolation against earthquakes was viewed by many as an eccentric dream. Today it is seen as the only feasible solution for certain types of building and as an attractive option for a widening range of others. Earthquake base isolation is being put to practical use in hundreds of buildings and other structures in the USA, Japan, France and the UK. In most systems elastomers, predominantly natural rubber, play a central part; in others plastics are used.
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