The project has made strong progress towards delivering its intended scientific impact, primarily through the successful execution of Work Package 1 (WP1). The key scientific achievement is the development of three novel analytical models of I-ViBa for seismic protection of structures. The performance of the proposed models has been evaluated through numerical simulations for single-structure applications, confirming their effectiveness in mitigating structural responses under dynamic loading. Findings from WP1 further demonstrate that the inertance of the I-ViBa systems should be optimised rather than treated as a fixed parameter. In addition, the newly proposed I-ViBa configurations incorporating a parallel inerter–damper arrangement exhibits reduced damping demand compared to existing models. Collectively, these developments strengthen both the theoretical foundations and the practical design capabilities of inerter-based systems in structural and earthquake engineering.
From an impact perspective, these results have the potential to significantly enhance seismic resilience in the built environment by enabling more efficient and adaptable vibration control strategies. The introduction of new analytical models increases design flexibility and allows engineers to tailor solutions to different structural typologies and performance objectives. Furthermore, the reduction in damping requirements may translate into more cost-effective and implementable solutions, improving the feasibility of real-world adoption.
To ensure further uptake and maximise impact, additional research and large-scale validation, particularly through experimental testing and multi-structure case studies, will be essential to demonstrate robustness and reliability under realistic conditions. Furthermore, demonstration projects and pilot implementations will be important to bridge the gap between numerical validation and practical deployment. In parallel, access to finance and innovation support mechanisms will be required to scale the technology beyond the research phase. Internationalisation opportunities exist, especially in regions with high seismic risk, where the proposed solutions could address pressing resilience challenges. Finally, alignment with regulatory frameworks and standardisation efforts will be critical. The integration of inerter-based systems into design codes and guidelines will require further evidence, consensus-building, and collaboration with standardisation bodies. Addressing these aspects will be key to enabling widespread adoption and long-term impact.
Overall, the project has delivered substantial advancements in inerter-based seismic protection, establishing a strong foundation for future research, development, and real-world implementation.
