[reference]
A. Charalampakis, G. Tsiatas, P. Tsopelas. 3DGRIPS: a new rolling/rocking seismic isolation system for lightweight applications, ICONHIC 2026, 29/06-02/07/2026, Chania, Greece.
[abstract]
Seismic isolation is a well-established and effective technique for mitigating earthquake-induced damage. However, conventional systems—such as elastomeric bearings, friction bearings, and rolling isolators—exhibit certain limitations, particularly regarding their performance under small vertical loads, challenges related to self-centering, and the management of the vertical component of seismic excitation. The patented 3DGRIPS system is proposed as a solution to these shortcomings and is specifically designed to protect lightweight yet high-value assets, including museum exhibits, servers, and hospital or telecommunications equipment. The isolator incorporates a three-dimensional toothing geometry at its contact surfaces to prevent slippage and enhance damping, combined with a flat resting surface that reduces stress development, provides impact-related damping, and ensures complete recentering to the original equilibrium position after an earthquake. This paper summarizes recent advances within the associated research project, with a focus on data curation efforts and the theoretical analysis of the 3DGRIPS isolator.
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