Best base isolator
In this activity, students use a physical model to investigate the effectiveness of different properties for base isolators.
How base isolation originated
Dr Bill Robinson of Robinson Seismic, the inventor of the lead rubber bearing, talks about how he developed the bearing while he was working with Ivan Skinner at the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in the early 1970s.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
understand how base isolators work
know what properties make an effective base
carry out a simple science investigation.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
discussion questions
student handout.
Related content
We recommend reading the article, Base isolation and seismic dampers before trying this activity, it includes a number of useful videos.
