Performance of seismic isolation hardware under service and seismic loading

Abstract

This report presents a comprehensive description of the current state of knowledge on the behavior of hardware used in seismic isolation and in seismic damping systems. Particular emphasis is placed on the description of fundamental behavior under both non-seismic, service-type loading conditions and under high-speed seismic conditions. Specific problems described and addressed in this report include the following: (1) aging of elastomeric and sliding bearings; (2) effect of ambient temperature on the behavior of elastomeric and sliding bearings; (3) prediction and experimental verification of effects of frictional heating on the sliding bearings; (4) prediction and experimental verification of effects of hysteric heating on the lead-rubber bearings; (5) analysis of elastomeric and sliding bearings; (6) design of elastomeric and sliding bearings based on principles of LRFD and ASD; (7) establishment of upper and lower bound values of properties of seismic isolation bearings for use in the analysis and design; and (8) detailed new testing protocols for seismic isolators and dampers. The presented information may represent the basis for the development of contemporary Guide Specifications for Seismic Isolation Design.