Aseismic Base Isolation

Projectual marks 15 years since its first project using ‘Base Seismic Isolation’ technology.

The project for the new facilities of the Regional Veterinary Laboratory of the Azores, located in Vinha Brava – Terceira Island, was promoted by the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Forestry, Regional Directorate for Agrarian Development / Veterinary Services Directorate.

Projectual is proud to have worked as a team with the atelier João Lúcio Lopes Arquitectos and to have been responsible for developing the design of various areas, including the Unit structural projects.

The projects were carried out between 2008 and 2010, and the Unit was inaugurated in 2014.

The complex comprised a set of 6 bodies/buildings, including the High Biological Safety Laboratory Building (P3), which, due to its sensitivity and associated risk and according to the specifications, required the use of ‘Aseismic Base Isolation’ technology.

The base isolation system used HDRB (High Damping Rubber Bearings) type bearings, which are high-damping rubber bearings that significantly reduce the impact of seismic actions on this part of the structure. The low horizontal stiffness, high damping bearings were installed between the foundations and the building, which was then supported inside a reinforced concrete ‘box’, free to make large movements, forming a technical floor with independent access for maintenance purposes.

The connections between the Special Installations and the External Infrastructures have been equipped with mechanisms and arrangements that are compatible with movements of the support devices around 16 cm.