Abstract: | The response spectrum method has been widely used in earthquake engineering design, but cannot be directly applied to non-linear systems such as the lead-filled rubber bearing used in base isolation systems. An appraoch to determine the equivalent linearized stiffness and damping coefficient of the lead-filled rubber bearing by use of the results of shaking table tests is developed. Comparisons of time histories for the equivalent linear systems and the actual model show the method gives accurate maxima for displacement and acceleration and at the appropriate times. It is found that the identified parameters vary with the maximum deformation and the simplified formulae that can optimally describe the variations are derived. Using these formulae, an iterative algorithm using the response spectrum method to calculate the dynamic response of buildings isolated by lead-filled rubber bearings is also presented. |