Abstract：In order to apply the rubber bearing based seismic isolation technology to the low-rise masonry structures in rural areas of China, a seismic isolation layer was set on the indoor floor and the isolated and non-isolated specimens for shaking table tests were designed and prepared for comparison. The 1/2 scale specimens or models were designed as two-storey masonry structure without constructional column and ring beam. The damping effect of the seismic isolation technology for low-rise masonry structure was investigated by analyzing and comparing the dynamic characteristics, acceleration response, storey drift, inter-storey shear force and shear-weight ratio of the isolated and non-isolated specimens. Furthermore, the applicability of the proposed construction measures was verified. The shaking table tests demonstrate that under the seismic wave with the peak acceleration of 800gal, no cracks or damages occur in the isolated model, and the good restoration of bearings can be observed. Layout of the seismic isolation layer can effectively reduce the natural frequency of the model, and significantly promote the damping effects of the acceleration, storey drift and base shear. When inputting the seismic wave with the peak acceleration of 400gal, the aseismic ratio of the acceleration of the top floor shall be 67%, the reduction of storey drift shall be 34% and the aseismic ratio of base shear shall be 68%, and with the increase of intensity of ground motion, the damping effects of isolated structure become more apparent. The research results can be referred when applying the isolation technology to low-rise masonry structures and compiling relevant standards.
