A new elastomeric-sliding seismic isolation system

Abstract

A new seismic isolation system is introduced in this study that utilizes a combination of confined rubber for vertical loading and sliding rings for energy absorption. In this new system, a central elastomeric core is contained between the steel sliding rings. In laboratory testing of the proposed system, it was shown that the steel rings maintained the required vertical stiffness of the system by controlling the lateral deformation of the rubber core. In the lateral motion, the steel rings dissipated energy by sliding on each other under a friction force limited by their small share of the gravity loads. The advantages of the proposed system as compared with the conventional laminated-rubber bearing include increased vertical stiffness and energy absorption capacity as well as ease of manufacturing at a lowered cost.