Strengthening the ability of buildings to withstand earthquakes is also a preoccupation for countries in the Balkans – a zone of high seismic risk. Even a moderate earthquake in this region could cause many deaths and extensive damage due to poor construction methods. As a result, scientists from Albania, Italy, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia(*) and the United States are working together on the SfP project “Low-cost rubber bearings for seismic safety in the Balkans”.
The procedure being developed, which involves placing rubber bearings into buildings to reduce the impact of seismic waves, is not new. However, the approach of using cheap material – rubber waste – is. This economically viable approach will make it possible to reinforce large numbers of houses, schools and other public buildings in the Balkans using local resources and technology.