Present State of Applications of Seismic Isolation to Civil Buildings in Italy and other European Countries

This review outlines the present state of applications of seismic isolation to civil buildings in Italy and other European countries, including those formerly belonging to the USSR. Some information is also given on the use of other passive innovative antiseismic devices, like energy dissipators and shock transmitters, as well as on applications to bridges, viaducts and industrial plants. The adopted innovative antiseismic systems are mentioned. The research projects that were recently completed or are in progress, mainly in the framework of Programmes funded by the European Commission, are shortly oulined. The available or proposed design rules and guidelines are mentioned. Statistics of applications are given, based on the outcome of recent international seminars. Some examples of applications are shortly illustrated. Finally, the perspectives for future applications are discussed, by stressing the issues which have so far restrained a wider use of the innovative antiseimic techniques in Europe.