Project description
Cost-effective seismic isolation method for developing countries
Earthquakes disproportionately impact developing countries, where strict building codes are often too costly to implement. Affordable, earthquake-resistant solutions are needed. While seismic isolation is effective, its high cost puts it out of reach for many vulnerable communities. The ERC-funded Low Cost Isolation project will develop a cost-effective seismic isolation method using rubber balls rolling on concrete conical surfaces. It will also explore upcycled, cement-filled tennis balls to reduce costs further while promoting circular economy practices. The project will conduct shake-table tests on a masonry structure isolated with these materials, enhance the vertical bearing capacity of the tennis balls, and assess the system’s durability. It will also create design guidelines, provide engineers with implementation tools, and build a prototype structure in Cuba.
Objective
Even though earthquakes are a global phenomenon, their impact is tremendously disproportionate, with most deaths concentrated in the developing world. The main reason is that structural codes are not followed. However, this is not due to a “propensity for delinquency” but because earthquake-resistant methods developed in high-income countries are highly expensive. Therefore, there is an urgent need for cost-effective methods tailored to the financial resources of the developing world.
Seismic isolation is a mature yet expensive design method applied in high-importance structures in wealthier countries. This project explores an innovative, low-cost seismic isolation method based on rubber balls rolling on concrete conical surfaces. A variation using cement-filled, upcycled tennis balls will also be examined, as this would be of extremely low cost while promoting circular economy practices. This rolling isolation system could be a viable solution for the seismic design of masonry structures.
The project aims to demonstrate the efficiency of the method, address weaknesses identified in our ERC StG tests, and further engage engineers from developing nations. Specifically, it will: a) conduct shake table tests on a masonry structure isolated with rubber and tennis balls; b) explore ways to increase the vertical bearing capacity of cement-filled tennis balls; c) study the durability and aging behavior of the system; d) draft design guidelines and code chapters, as well as provide engineers with analysis tools for implementing this seismic design method; and e) Build a prototype structure in Cuba.
This concept will be shared with Cuba’s engineering community—a country with limited material resources, where the high seismicity in the east prevents masonry construction. Providing a way to design earthquake-resistant masonry structures will help address the challenge of safe, affordable housing, aligning with the sustainable development goals of Agenda 2030.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology civil engineering structural engineering earthquake engineering base isolation
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences geology seismology
- social sciences economics and business economics sustainable economy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
157 72 ATHINA
Greece
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.