Seismic isolation is a powerful tool, but it is not economical for every structure. This article discusses when isolation makes sense through a decision matrix.
01 Period and soil
Isolation reduces seismic demands by lengthening the dominant period of the structure; on soft soils, the benefit of period lengthening may be limited.
02 Cost axis
Isolator, detailing, and maintenance costs are evaluated together with the performance gains achieved; in critical structures, the equation shifts in favor of isolation.
