Abstract: An energy-absorbing foundation provides both large and small scale absorpn of mechanical energy over a broad frequency band using a combination of linear and non-linear energy-absorbing means positioned between a region where the energy arises and another region where personnel and property may be located. The linear and non-linear energy absorbing means may be connected in series or in parallel and act as a mechanical fuse and shock snubber, respectively. One embodiment uses a double reverse corrugate metal and another embodiment uses side loaded tubes as the non-linear energy absorbing component of the disclosed energy-absorbing foundation. Elastic springs may be used in both embodiments as the linear energy absorbing component.