Field-Experimental Validation of Seismic Wave Attenuation in Semi-Embedded Rubber Column Metamaterials: Rayleigh and Love Wave Insights

Despite recent numerical and laboratory studies highlighting the potential of semi-embedded seismic metamaterials (SEM) with concrete oscillators in attenuating Rayleigh waves, their real-world effectiveness—particularly in mitigating Love waves—remains unvalidated. In this study, we present the first field experimental validation of an SEM comprising an array of rubber column resonators. Experimental results show that the SEM exhibits a global bandgap spanning 25–37 Hz and a localized bandgap in the 37–42 Hz range. Within the central frequency (ƒ ₀ = 31 Hz) of the global bandgap, the attenuation reaches − 9.3 dB for Love waves and − 5.3 dB for Rayleigh waves. Theoretical and experimental analyses reveal that the energy dissipation in flexible rubber resonators is mainly attributed to the resonance of their exposed above-ground sections, while the damping introduced by the parts buried underground somewhat diminishes the effectiveness of surface wave energy attenuation. This work bridges the critical gap between simulation-based predictions and deployable seismic protection systems, providing valuable insights for designing novel seismic metamaterials.