Study of reinforced elastomeric bearings for structures in seismic areas

Abstract

Abstract. The article presents the results of the experimental determination of the physical and mechanical characteristics of rubber-metal vibrationproof supports used in the construction of facilities in the areas of increased seismic hazard. The testing was based on two necessities: to substantiate the possibility of using such a constructive seismic protection solution and to create reliable calculation models of the structures with rubber-metal support. More than thirty samples were tested in the laboratory under various loads and impacts. The elastomers were tested in accordance with the requirements written in EN-1337-3. The experiment was performed on three types of elastomer model samples to determine their vertical and horizontal stiffness, the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity and creep. The work was performed on INSTRON power equipment and a test rig equipped with MTS hydraulic jacks installed in the power frame. The testing results of elastomeric support models were confirmed by the determination of individual characteristics on the full size specimens at the corresponding load. Thus, the test has confirmed and proved the validity of the use of elastomeric bearings for seismic protection of a mall construction.

Seismic Response of a PC Continuous Box Girder Bridge under Extreme Ambient Temperature

“…At present, the research on the seismic performance of bridges under the influence of ambient temperature has been mainly focused on the changes in the seismic response of bridges due to changes in the performance of bridge bearings under the influence of temperature at home and abroad. Scholars at home and abroad have conducted many useful studies on parameters such as equivalent stiffness [9][10][11], yield force [12][13][14], compressive strength [15,16], frictional slip properties [17,18], and damping characteristics [19] of plate rubber bearings at different ambient temperatures, and systematically explored the correlation between each of these parameters and the ambient temperature. A bridge structure with plate rubber bearings is exposed to the external environment for a long time, and the ambient temperature will inevitably lead to changes in the mechanical behavior of the bearings, resulting in a change in the dynamic characteristics of the bridge structure.…”

Comparative tests for horizontal stiffness of elastomeric bearings

“…In the previous article called "Study of reinforced elastomeric bearings for structures in seismic areas" [1] authors have revised an issue of erecting a shopping and entertainment mall in seismic area. According to design, this building had a metal roof mounted on reinforced concrete structures.…”