Systems and methods for providing base isolation against seismic activity

A seismic isolation system including a base plate having a textured top surface and a top plate positioned above the base plate having a non-textured bottom surface, wherein desired coefficients of static and kinetic friction between the top plate and the base plate prevent relative movement of the two plates with normal operation and yet allow the top plate to move relative to the base plate during a seismic event. In one example, the sliding surface has a coating such as a polyester (e.g., polyester triglycidyl isocyanurate) or a low surface energy coating (e.g., silicone-epoxy coating). In another example, the seismic isolation system further includes a damping system comprising internal dampers within a concrete slab resting on the top plate to provide displacement control.