Objective

• Process development for recycling of scrap tyres and fabrication of Scrap Tyre Rubber Pad (STRP)
of adequate capacity.
• Evaluation of dynamic properties of the STRP bearings through cyclic tests.
• Demonstration of effectiveness (technology readiness) of STRP isolators through shake-table testing
on scaled target applications.

Impact

The project aims to reduce the seismic vulnerability of rural communities at high seismic risks which do not access to advanced and costly seismic retrofit measures. The successful outcome of the project would be a ready-to-use device that can be used at mass scale for structures and systems vulnerable to earthquakes. Existing facilities, including school buildings and medical clinics, can be retrofitted with these isolators without disrupting the services. Overhead water tanks and power generators can be isolated using STRPs to ensure vital supply of essentials during post-earthquake recovery.

Project Description

The project demonstrates a seismic isolation technology developed using scrap rubber tyre pads (STRPs) that can be used for seismic protection of low-cost houses, dwellings, footbridges, and overhead water supply tanks in regions of high seismicity. The STRPs seismic isolators are horizontally flexible and vertically stiff devices that significantly reduce the earthquake forces. Scrap tyres have wire-reinforced pads that provide superior strength without making them significantly stiffer. Rubber pads cut from scrap tyres can be bonded with steel shims and undergo a vulcanization process at high temperature and pressure to fabricate STRP bearings that have desired properties as seismic isolators.

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