New Solutions in Seismic Isolation

Earthquake engineering is one of the rather complicated fields of human activities. There is too much uncertainty in this discipline, from the earthquake phenomenon to the properties of building structures that have to withstand it. Despite notable achievements in this field, we have to admit that the humankind is still far from solving the puzzles of the Nature that it opens to us little by little with each new earthquake. This book is, in a way, a report of my work since 1993 on creation, development and application of seismic isolation systems in construction of new 1-20 story buildings of different types, as well as strengthening and retrofit of existing 3-6 story buildings. It was a hard path indeed, but with God’s help, I was able to successfully struggle my way through, overcome conservatism and malice of officials and even earthquake resistant construction experts. As a result, in the field of seismic isolation a small and developing state like Armenia stands side by side with powerful and advanced countries. I am proud of that!