Geosynthetics for geotechnical seismic isolation (GSI): an overview

Geosynthetics are essential tools for the advancement of modern civil, construction, and environmental engineering. Geotechnical seismic isolation (GSI) is an emerging category of earthquake resistant design methods that leverage the use of synthetic materials to enhance infrastructure resilience through ground modification, while leaving the structural systems unaltered. This article intends to provide a brief introduction to the mechanisms of GSI and explain the key material properties of geosynthetics required to realise GSI, which is then followed by a detailed discussion on the four main groups of materials that are currently being explored. GSI is pushing the boundaries of the field of geosynthetics.