Seismic Isolation to Protect Buildings

Abstract

If a concrete slab is poured with a very smooth upper surface and coated with a grease of low viscosity, it can serve as the base of a thick reinforced concrete slab, which if made an integral part of a building built above it, will protect that building against sideways forces that are the main source of destruction during an earthquake.

1 . A method of constructing a building having at least two flat masses for the base structure separated by smooth surface(s). 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , where the smooth surface, or surfaces, is flat. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , where the smooth surface is slightly concave upward. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , where one or both of the masses are composed of concrete (i.e. cement and aggregate rock of various sizes) 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claims 1 , where a low friction material, is used to separate the masses and reduce friction. Some typical liquids being grease, oil, silicone liquids, fine sand, clay powder coated with silicone, etc. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , where mild restraint from lateral motion is added. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , where the restraint is a perimeter bank of springs (e.g. air springs, coil compression type metal springs, leaf metal springs). 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , where the restraints are attached to the lower flat mass at the end of the restraint away from the upper mass. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , where the restraints are attached to the lower mass at a wall.