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.
- Founded1982
- HeadquartersReno, Nevada, USA
- Plant size60,000 sq ft
- Steel processed2,000+ tons / yr
- Largest press4,400 tons
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.
Take the building off the ground, soak up the energy.
Seismic isolation protects a structure from the destructive effects of an earthquake by decoupling it from the ground. This allows it to behave more flexibly, which improves its response. The isolators also absorb the earthquake energy, reducing the energy transferred to the structure.
Because forces in the superstructure are lower, the people inside are safer, the contents survive, and the building can keep operating after the earthquake.
Accelerations amplified upward.
Ground accelerations grow on the higher floors. Contents and occupants are damaged. Designed only to prevent collapse, not to remain operational.
Movement at the isolation plane.
Floor accelerations are low. The building, its occupants and contents are safe. The structure can be reused immediately.
The USC Hospital, isolated with DIS bearings, remained operational throughout the 1994 Northridge Earthquake with no damage. The Los Angeles County Medical Center, located less than a mile away, suffered $400 million in damage and was not operational afterward.
Candidates for isolation
Structures that cannot afford to fail, and structures whose contents are too valuable, too critical, or too historic to risk.
Hospitals & Bridges
Facilities that must remain operational during and after an earthquake.
Valuable Operations
Data centers, communications, high-tech manufacturing and museums.
High-Occupancy Buildings
Low- to medium-rise residences and office buildings.
Historic Structures
Preserving architectural fabric without invasive strengthening.
Portable Data Centers
Modular, container-housed compute infrastructure.
LNG Tanks & Nuclear Reactors
Critical industrial assets where failure is not an option.
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%.