At Colorado State University, Prof. John van de Lindt has applied a base isolation system to a light-frame wood building for shake-table testing. The test structure is supported on a base isolation system consisting of four sliding bearings. The bearings are friction pendulum system (FPS) bearings that isolate the building from the earthquake ground motion by allowing the building to “slide” laterally and vertically on a concave surface. In Part 1 of this Engineering TV interview, Prof. van de Lindt discusses the "Friction Pendulum Sliders" and how they could allow homebuilders across earthquake-prone areas to significantly reduce the damage to homes from large earthquakes.
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