Base isolation is the alternative tool to protect structures against the earthquake. Basic ideas are the flexibflity to reduce the response of the structure, energy dissipation to reduce the excessive deflection by flexibility, and the rigidity under the service load. Base isolation is specially good for bridges because it can be installed easily and be used for both new construction and rehabilitation. This paper describes the basic ideas of base isolation, various base isolation devices and design guidelines by AASHTO. It also introduces the applications in United States and New Zealand.

• 황의승(한국건설기술연구원 구조연구실) | Hwang Eui Seung