Motion Detection and Base Isolation System for Earthquake-Resistant Relief Structures: Application of Biomimetics

The conceptual design of a motion detection and base
isolation system for earthquake-resistant relief structures is
presented. The design process, which applies principles of
biomimetics, is inspired by the motion detection ability of birds
and fishes and shock isolation ability of woodpeckers’ skulls.
Concrete blocks with and without base isolators were subjected
to shake table tests to evaluate the efficiency of the base isolation
system. Results revealed that the base isolation system reduces
horizontal acceleration of concrete blocks by approximately 82.00
± 2.0%.