2018 – EGYPTIAN OBELISK SEISMIC ISOLATOR – MUSEO DEL SANNIO
Customer
Date
2018
PROJECT INFO
A new base was required to serve both as a display element and as a seismic isolator.
CLIENT REQUEST
The base was designed in close collaboration with the curators from Arguzia and the Museo del Sannio, with several key objectives:
● A neutral, minimal appearance to maintain visual focus on the historical artifact and match the museum’s contemporary style.
● Complete dynamic decoupling of the obelisk from the floor and the building in the event of an earthquake.
● Horizontal stability and a centered equilibrium position, even under small accidental lateral forces during regular museum use.
● Full compliance with structural requirements for both static and dynamic loads.
● Post-earthquake functionality without the need for maintenance or reset.
SOLUTIONS
To achieve full dynamic decoupling, we used linear ball-bearing guides arranged in two orthogonal directions, creating overlapping carriages free to slide horizontally. This ensures that seismic lateral movements do not exert significant forces at the base of the obelisk, which could otherwise cause tipping.
To prevent undesired sliding during normal conditions (due to air currents or accidental contact), each carriage level was equipped with spring-actuated pistons pressing against inclined edges. These generate centripetal forces that maintain the system in a stable central position—forces that remain negligible during seismic motion.
The entire mechanism is enclosed in a low-profile pyramidal metal casing, designed to be visually unobtrusive and mechanically resistant to movement during seismic events, eliminating the need for post-event maintenance.
The structural adequacy—both static and dynamic—was validated through finite element analysis on a quarter-symmetry model of the full support system.
MATERIALS
● Welded hollow steel tubes
● Ball-bearing linear guides
● Power coated
DIMENSIONS
Width: 2350mm
Height (closed): 380mm
CLIENTS’ WEBSITES
Installation Showcase
