Large stock of scrap tyres in waste disposal ground is a huge threat to the environment. In many civil engineering applications, potential of using scrap tyres have been explored in the last two decades. In this paper, effectiveness of Un-bonded Scrap Tyre Isolator (U-STI), as a seismic isolation system, has been evaluated by both experimental and numerical studies. Simple design approach of low-cost U-STI for seismic response control of the test model is outlined first. The mechanical properties of U-STI, under simultaneous action of horizontal cyclic displacement and vertical load, have been determined. Shake table testing of 1/5th scale two-storey masonry building supported on U-STIs has been carried out. Shake table testing confirmed that transmissibility of peak ground acceleration to the test model is reduced to a large extent and the peak floor accelerations are of the order of 12%–15% of the peak table accelerations, which establishes the effectiveness of the U-STI in controlling the seismic response of the test model. Results of the numerical analysis of the test model, using SAP 2000 v.19, have been validated by the experimental results. The U-STIs have been modelled using multi-linear pivot hysteretic plasticity model. Comparison of acceleration and displacement responses at various floor levels obtained from numerical analysis is done with that obtained from shake table tests. Results from the numerical tests are found to be in reasonably good agreement with those obtained from the experimental tests under the action of considered ground motions. It is concluded from the study that low-cost U-STIs are effective in reducing the seismic response of low-rise masonry building test models.

废物处理场中大量的废轮胎对环境构成巨大威胁。在许多土木工程应用中，近二十年来一直在探索使用废轮胎的潜力。在本文中，已通过实验和数值研究评估了无粘结废旧轮胎隔离器（U-STI）作为地震隔离系统的有效性。首先概述了用于测试模型地震响应控制的低成本U-STI的简单设计方法。在水平循环位移和垂直载荷同时作用下，U-STI的机械性能已经确定。已对U-STI支持的1/5比例的两层砌体建筑进行了振动台测试。振动台测试证实，峰值地面加速度对测试模型的可传递性大大降低，并且峰值地面加速度约为峰值平台加速度的12％–15％，这证明了U-STI的有效性控制测试模型的地震响应。实验结果验证了使用SAP 2000 v.19对测试模型进行数值分析的结果。使用多线性枢轴滞回可塑性模型对U-STI进行了建模。从数值分析获得的不同楼层水平的加速度和位移响应的比较与从振动台试验获得的结果进行了比较。结果表明，在考虑的地震动作用下，数值试验的结果与试验结果相当吻合。从研究中得出的结论是，低成本的U-STI可有效降低低层砖石建筑测试模型的地震响应。