Advancements in base isolation for seismic mitigation: Perspectives on elastomeric and lead rubber bearings

Base isolation represents an environmentally sustainable and highly effective technique for mitigating structural responses to strong seismic forces generated by plate boundary tectonic activities. Its primary benefits include preventing structural collapse, minimizing property damage, and safeguarding human lives during severe earthquakes. This passive, energy-efficient approach is often complemented by supplementary dampers to further reduce seismic impact. This study provides a comprehensive overview of elastomeric and lead rubber isolators, covering their theoretical, experimental, and numerical aspects. The paper examines the seismic response of structures equipped with elastomeric and lead rubber bearings, including a discussion of their pros and cons. This paper presents the comparison of fixed base and rubber isolated base in SAP 2000 to assess the effectiveness of base isolation. Additionally, it presents findings from shaking table tests, relevant building codes, and practical applications, considering the impact of events beyond initial design parameters. The review delves into the historical evolution of elastomeric and lead rubber-bearing systems, offering valuable ins