We helped invent this industry.

DIS was there at the beginning of seismic isolation. For more than 30 years we've worked on the codes, advised the engineers, and shipped isolators for over 300 bridges and buildings around the world.

Dynamic Isolation Systems has provided over 28,000 isolators for more than 300 bridges and buildings worldwide. Prominent projects include the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco City Hall, and the 1.7 million-square-foot Tan Tzu Medical Center in Taiwan.

Our engineers provide technical support and parameters for structural modeling. DIS will assist you with your feasibility study, budget development, and value engineering. On projects where DIS has participated from the design/concept phase, costs have been reduced by up to thirty percent.

At a glance

Founded1982
HeadquartersReno, Nevada, USA
Plant size60,000 sq ft
Steel processed2,000+ tons / yr
Largest press4,400 tons

Manufacturing

Everything we make, we make ourselves.

Every step of manufacturing happens inside our 60,000 square-foot plant in Reno, Nevada. Nothing is outsourced, which is how we hold the production and performance standards we do.

Molding Presses

Capacities from 200 to 4,400 tons. Four presses above 2,000 tons handle the largest demand. Isolators as large as 60 inches in diameter, weighing 10 tons each, have been produced.

Precision Machining

Several large computer-controlled machining centers process steel plates up to 80 inches wide. Laser-cut shims achieve exacting tolerances.

In-house Testing

Main test rig: ±31 inch shear displacement, 700 tons shear force, 2,000 tons axial. Secondary rig: ±12 inch shear, 100 tons shear, 600 tons axial.

Controlled Curing

Each bearing cures 8–48 hours depending on size. The curing phase is continuously monitored to ensure uniform rubber properties throughout the bearing.

Our Story

Pioneering seismic protection since 1982.

DIS projects: New Zealand Parliament, LAX Theme Building, JFK Light Rail, Oakland Bay Bridge, San Francisco City Hall, energy storage, bridge bearings and retrofits — Four decades of DIS projects worldwide

Dynamic Isolation Systems (DIS) was founded in 1982 by Ronald L. Mayes and Lindsay Jones with a vision to advance seismic protection through innovative base isolation technology. As the North American pioneer of the Lead Rubber Bearing (LRB) system, DIS helped introduce a transformative approach to earthquake engineering — reducing seismic forces transmitted into structures rather than simply resisting them.

In the early years, DIS focused on educating engineers, architects, owners, and public agencies on the benefits of seismic isolation, helping drive industry awareness and adoption across North America. As demand grew, DIS expanded into both building and bridge markets, contributing to the protection of hospitals, government facilities, transportation infrastructure, and other critical structures.

The strong performance of base-isolated structures during major earthquakes — including Loma Prieta (1989), Northridge (1994), and Kobe (1995) — validated the effectiveness of the technology and accelerated its acceptance worldwide.

Today, DIS is recognized as a trusted leader in seismic protection, delivering innovative solutions that safeguard buildings, bridges, and critical infrastructure around the world.

Want the full story?

Read the complete history of DIS — from the New Zealand origins of the Lead Rubber Bearing to four decades of proven performance.

Our Full History

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

To partner and deliver the highest quality seismic protection solutions.

Our Vision

Eliminating seismic threats to lives and communities worldwide.

Highest quality

Every isolator is laser-cut, CNC-machined, cured under continuous monitoring, and tested in-house. The acceptance criteria are stricter than the code.

Honest engineering

We tell clients what isolation will and won't do. When it isn't the right answer, we say so. Long relationships beat short wins.

Lifetime accountability

Forty-plus years of installed bearings means we've seen what works and what doesn't. We support every project for the life of the structure.

Let's talk

Got a project where downtime isn't an option?

Our engineers work alongside you from concept through installation. When we're brought in during the design phase, total project cost often drops by up to 30%.

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