Nonlinear periodic foundations for seismic protection: Practical design, realistic evaluation and stability considerations

A comprehensive numerical study on the performance of a novel nonlinear foundation consisting alternating layers lead rubber bearings and concrete slabs is presented in this article. The design combines established load bearing capacity commercial with wave propagation inhibition by means Bragg scattering periodic structures. This solution substantially reduces structural demand under ground motion excitation without compromising during operational loading. evaluated through response history analyses it compared against conventional base isolated alternatives. By explicitly simulating hysteretic behaviour bearings, we demonstrate that complies best practice standard current codes, as defined for base-isolated buildings. comparative exposes limitations linear analysis, leading to unrealistic non-conservative outcomes. results reflect superior reducing displacements, owing scattering, well its remarkable robustness input soil variability. sensitivity analysis over key parameters provides valuable insights enables tailoring dynamic characteristics supported structure. For first time, framework assessment global stability formulated deployed, highlighting importance considering metric when designing layered foundations.