Business Details
41 Years
experience
Seismic Isolation Engineering Experts
Earthquake Protection Systems is a global leader in seismic isolation engineering, dedicated to designing and manufacturing advanced seismic isolation solutions that enable structures to maintain functionality after earthquakes. Our team of principal engineers, each with over 30 years of specialized experience, has pioneered the development of Friction Pendulum and Triple Pendulum isolators, which are engineered to minimize seismic damage while reducing construction costs. With a 520,000 sq. ft. facility in Vallejo, California, we provide integrated engineering, manufacturing, and real-time testing capabilities, ensuring every isolator meets the rigorous Continued Functionality Standard.Our proprietary technology and ISO 9001-certified processes have been implemented in critical infrastructure across 25+ countries, including hospitals, bridges, and industrial facilities. We guarantee competitive pricing, on-time delivery, and performance-backed solutions that exceed traditional ductile design standards, making continued functionality an economically viable alternative to minimum-code compliance.
Services
Seismic Isolation Solutions
Triple Pendulum Isolators
Friction Pendulum Isolators
Tension Isolators
Seismic Testing Services
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of specialized seismic isolation engineering experience since inventing the Friction Pendulum isolator in 1985.
- Our proprietary Triple Pendulum isolators are engineered to limit seismic damage to less than 2% of replacement costs.
- We guarantee competitive pricing and on-time delivery during the project design phase.
- All isolators undergo 100% real-time seismic testing in our 15,000 kip capacity test facility.
- Our solutions have been implemented in critical infrastructure across 25+ countries.
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001:2015
Services
Triple Pendulum Isolators
Triple Pendulum Isolators use three sequential pendulum mechanisms to optimize seismic performance across varying earthquake intensities. This technology reduces structural damage to less than 2% of replacement costs while lowering construction expenses compared to traditional methods. Each isolator is custom-engineered for site-specific seismic hazards, ensuring continued functionality for critical facilities like hospitals and bridges.
Friction Pendulum Isolators
Friction Pendulum Isolators employ pendulum motion to lengthen a structure's natural period, minimizing transmitted seismic forces. These isolators maintain consistent performance in extreme temperatures down to -54F and are ideal for cold-weather applications like Alaska's Kodiak Bridge. They provide reliable protection while reducing lateral loads and shear forces during earthquakes.
Seismic Testing Services
Our facility conducts real-time seismic testing on all isolators using 15,000 kip and 2,000 kip capacity machines. This ensures compliance with the Continued Functionality Standard through prototype testing, real-time property analysis, and capacity verification under maximum credible earthquake conditions. Testing confirms structural integrity and performance guarantees.
Tension Isolators
Tension Isolators accommodate vertical loads shifting between compression and tension during seismic events. These systems prevent structural uplift and overturning while maintaining lateral stability. They are particularly effective in reducing framing costs for facilities requiring protection against vertical earthquake motions and uplift displacements.
Seismic Isolation Design
Our team provides application-specific seismic isolation designs integrated with project engineering. We develop custom solutions considering site hazards, facility type, and construction costs. Services include computer analysis, installation details, and stamped engineering reports to ensure optimal performance and compliance with international seismic standards.
People
Victor Zayas
President
Dr. Victor Zayas, CEO and inventor of the Friction Pendulum isolator, oversees product development and quality control. With over 30 years of seismic engineering expertise, he has led the evolution of pendulum isolation technology since its inception in 1985.
Stanley Low
Vice-President
Stanley Low directs detailed isolator design and computer analysis. As a principal engineer, he ensures manufactured isolators meet technical requirements while developing predictive models for seismic response in structures across diverse global applications.
Anoop Mokha
Vice-President
Dr. Anoop Mokha specializes in product applications and technical assistance. With extensive experience in complex seismic isolation projects, he serves as primary contact for customer support, guiding implementation from design through installation of critical infrastructure systems.
Julie Robinson
Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Julie Robinson manages financial operations and ISO 9001:2015 quality control implementation. She oversees material procurement, business records, and administrative functions while ensuring compliance with international manufacturing standards.
Questions
How do Triple Pendulum Isolators work during earthquakes?
Triple Pendulum Isolators use three sequential pendulum mechanisms that activate at different earthquake intensities. The inner pendulum handles small quakes, while outer pendulums engage during stronger events, reducing displacements and structural damage.
What makes your isolators different from 'code compliant' alternatives?
Our isolators meet the Continued Functionality Standard, which requires real-time testing and proven performance. Many 'code compliant' alternatives fail to deliver actual seismic protection or meet adequate product standards.
Can your systems protect structures in extreme climates?
Yes. Friction Pendulum Isolators maintain performance in temperatures as low as -54°F, making them ideal for cold environments like Alaska's Kodiak Bridge and other extreme climate applications.
How do you ensure product quality and reliability?
Every isolator undergoes 100% real-time seismic testing in our 15,000 kip facility. We perform prototype testing, property verification, and capacity checks under maximum credible earthquake conditions to guarantee performance.
What industries benefit most from your technology?
Critical infrastructure including hospitals, bridges, airports, and industrial facilities benefit most. Our systems protect contents, non-structural components, and structures during severe earthquakes while reducing overall construction costs.
Do you offer guaranteed pricing and delivery schedules?
Yes. We provide guaranteed isolator pricing and delivery schedules during the project design phase, with prices lower than equivalent alternate systems when tested to the Continued Functionality Standard.
