Dynamic behaviour and seismic response of structures isolated with low shape factor bearings

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical behaviour of laminated elastomeric bearings with a low shape factor (LSF) and the dynamic response of structures mounted on them. Axial loads have a significant influence on the mechanical behaviour of the LSF bearings. Most of the existing theories and mechanical models for laminated bearings cannot be employed for LSF bearings because they disregard the important effects of axial shortening and bulging of the rubber layers on the horizontal bearing stiffness.In this study, a simplified model originally developed for slender rubber blocks is employed for describing the mechanical behaviour of LSF bearings, and validated against the experimental results on low‐damping LSF bearings manufactured and tested at Tun Abdul Razak Research Center (TARRC). The proposed model is then used to simulate the seismic response of a structural prototype mounted on the low‐damping LSF bearings and tested at University of Naples Federico II on a shaking table under horizontal seismic input. Further analyses are carried out to evaluate how the bearing shape factor affects the dynamic and seismic response of the prototype. The study provides some useful insight into the complex mechanical behaviour of LSF bearings and of structures mounted on them.

Enhancing the Seismic Response of Residential RC Buildings with an Innovative Base Isolation Technique

“…Elastomeric bearings, as a type of seismic isolation system, are divided into two main categories, Steel Reinforced Elastomeric Bearings (SREBs) [7] and Fiber Reinforced Elastomeric Bearings (FREBs) [8]. Within the SREB category, there are three distinct subcategories: low-damping rubber bearings (LDRBs) [9], designed for structures requiring moderate damping; high-damping rubber bearings (HDRBs) [10][11][12], offering higher damping capabilities for structures with specific vibration control needs; and lead-rubber bearings (LRBs) [13][14][15][16], designed for seismic isolation applications with superior energy dissipation properties.…”