Base isolation is a technique invented in Wellington by Bill Robinson to minimise damage to buildings during an earthquake.

When was base isolators invented?

Base isolator bearings were pioneered in New Zealand by Dr Bill Robinson during the 1970s. The bearing, which consists of layers of rubber and steel with a lead core, was invented by Dr Robinson in 1974.

How are base isolators made?

The simplest form of base isolation uses flexible pads between the base of the building and the ground. When the ground shakes, inertia holds the building nearly stationary while the ground below oscillates in large vibrations. Thus, no force is transferred to the building due to the shaking of the ground.