Introduction

The proposed technology can be very effective in the seismic protection of constructions, historic and monumental areas, which present specific obstacles to a direct intervention on the structures. The insulating devices are placed through a series of horizontal drillings – a technique known as jacking – and the subsequent horizontal cut of micro-tunnels, creating a discontinuity between foundations and subsoil on which the building insists.

Technical features

The presented invention is the first to have used the technology for the insertion of horizontal tubes in the implementation of seismic isolation. Historic buildings are not directly altered in order to protect the original structure. The insulating devices are placed through a series of horizontal drillings – a technique known as jacking – and the subsequent horizontal cut of micro-tunnels, creating a discontinuity between subsoil and foundations on which the building insists.

Possible Applications

• Effective seismic protection of structures, historical buildings and monumental areas with specific obstacles to a direct intervention on the buildings;
• Applicable to industrial plants for the protection of components and pipes subject to differential displacements along the edges.

Advantages

• Exploitation of the soil under the foundation of the building protected as an isolated platform;
• Basement rooms are fully preserved (for example, churches, crypts and historic buildings).