Seismic upgrading of buildings has always been a challenging task for structural engineers. This process requires us to consider technical, economical, social and architectural aspects of structure in hand. Most of methods available for retrofitting results in alteration of existing structure, thus requiring care in implementing these techniques in efficient manner. Moreover these methods are not ideal/suitable for sensitive historical and industrial structures.

An innovative method of isolating structure from adverse effects of ground excitation is being proposed here. This method does not require any alteration in existing structure. In this method soil under the foundation system will be utilized to isolate super structure from detrimental effects of seismic excitation with the help of tunneling works. Series of micro tunnels, with isolators attached, will be bored under the foundation. Idea is to isolate certain area of substructure from the surrounding soil, which will help to filter the seismic energy entering the structure.

Implementation of this technique will result in subsurface settlement which can damage superstructure. Objective of this paper is to assess damage susceptibility of masonry construction a as result of tunneling works, proposed for installation of seismic devices.