On the use of mechanical metamaterials for innovative seismic isolations systems

Abstract

We design novel versions of pentamode materials whose bulk and shear moduli are controlled by adjusting the dimensions of the struts and nodal junctions, and the material properties. We show that layers of such metamaterials can be effectively employed as deformable pads of novel base isolation systems. Benchmark examples highlight that a commercial rubber bearing can be effectively replaced by innovative isolators formed by pentamode pads confined between steel plates. Future research lines concerned with seismic applications of tunable pentamode materials are presented and discussed.