Seismic isolation is a collection of structural elements to uncouple a building superstructure from its ground and thus protect the integrity of the building. Seismic isolation is a powerful seismic engineering tool.

Base isolation is the most powerful tool in seismic engineering, allowing passive control of the vibration of the structure. This tool is capable of protecting a structure from the devastating effect of seismic impact through an appropriate initial design or its consequent modifications. In some cases, the application of base insulation can increase its earthquake resistance considerably. Contrary to popular belief, base isolation does not make the building earthquake-proof, although its effectiveness in protecting structures against earthquakes has also been widely demonstrated by full-scale shaking table tests, which constitute the most representative tests in seismic engineering research. Currently the technique is achieved for any type of building, even taller and more flexible buildings.

Base insulation systems consist of insulation units with or without insulation components, where:.

For their response to earthquake impact, all isolation units can be divided into two basic categories: shear units[1]​ and sliding units.[2]​ The first evidence of architects using the principle of base isolation was discovered in Pasargadae, an ancient city in Persia, now Iran.

This technology can be used in structural design and can also be carried out in existing buildings. It is enough to create a floor to give it rigidity, which would be a diaphragm where the insulators can be placed and reserve a space for the foreseeable movements of the buildings.