Coupling behavior of shear deformation and end rotation of elastomeric seismic isolation bearings

This paper presents a mechanical model for predicting the behavior of elastomeric seismic isolation bearings subject to combined end rotations and shear deformation. The mechanical model consists of a series of axial springs at the top, mid‐height and bottom of the bearing to vertically reproduce asymmetric bending moment distribution in the bearings. The model can take into account end rotations of the bearing, and the overall rotational stiffness includes the effect of the variation of vertical load on the bearing and the imposed shear deformation. Static bending tests under various combinations of vertical load and shear deformation were performed to identify the mechanical characteristics of bearings. The test results indicate that bearing rotational stiffness increases with increasing vertical load but decreases with increasing shear deformation. Simulation analyses were conducted to validate the new mechanical model. The results of analyses using the new model show very good agreement with experimental observations. A series of seismic response analyses were performed to demonstrate the dynamic behavior of top‐of‐column isolated structures, a configuration where the end rotations of isolation bearings are typically expected to be larger. The results suggest that the end rotations of elastomeric bearings used in practical top‐of‐column isolated structures do not reduce the stability limit of isolation system. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Inelastic response spectrum: Early history

Detailing the time period from, roughly, 1950 through 1980, this Historical Note documents the development of the initial concept of the inelastic response spectrum and how it evolved to become the basis for rational procedures for earthquake‐resistant design, which are used even today. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic performance of highway bridges with fusing bearing components for quasi‐isolation

Modern highway bridges in Illinois are often installed with economical elastomeric bearings that allow for thermal movement of the superstructure, and steel fixed bearings and transverse retainers that prevent excessive movement from service‐level loadings. In the event of an earthquake, the bearing system has the potential to provide a quasi‐isolated response where failure of sacrificial elements and sliding of the bearings can cause a period elongation and reduce or cap the force demands on the substructure. A computational model that has been calibrated for the expected nonlinear behaviors is used to carry out a parametric study to evaluate quasi‐isolated bridge behavior. The study investigates different superstructure types, substructure types, substructure heights, foundation types, and elastomeric bearing types. Overall, only a few bridge variants were noted to unseat for design‐level seismic input in the New Madrid Seismic Zone, indicating that most structures in Illinois would not experience severe damage during their typical design life. However, Type II bearing systems, which consist of an elastomeric bearing and a flat PTFE slider, would in some cases result in critical damage from unseating at moderate and high seismic input. The sequence of damage for many bridge cases indicates yielding of piers at low‐level seismic input. This is caused by the high strength of the fixed bearing element, which justifies further calibration of the quasi‐isolation design approach. Finally, the type of ground motion, pier height, and bearing type were noted to have significant influence on the global bridge response. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic isolation of buildings with sliding concave foundation (SCF)

In this paper, a new base isolation system, namely the sliding concave foundation (SCF), is introduced and the behaviour of the buildings using such a system is theoretically investigated. A building supported on the new system behaves like a compound pendulum during seismic excitation. The pendulum behaviour accompanied by the large radius of foundation curvature shifts the fundamental period of the system to a high value (e.g. more than 8sec), in a frequency range where none of the previously recorded earthquakes had considerable energy. This results in a large decrease in the structural responses. Since small friction forces are essential on the contact surfaces, PTFE sheets can be used as sliding surfaces. Although the pure frictional sliding systems have the same efficiency as the SCF, in reducing the responses of the superstructure, the main advantage of the new system is a significant decrease in sliding displacement. The performance of the SCF subjected to a number of harmonic and non‐harmonic base excitations is studied and its ability to reduce the structural responses is examined. Some numerical examples are solved for a single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) structure and the responses are compared with the responses of the same SDOF structure on a fixed base or a pure frictional sliding support system. The comparisons confirm the effectiveness of the new system. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Improved numerical analysis for ultimate behavior of elastomeric seismic isolation bearings

Elastomeric isolation bearings consist of multiple rubber layers with their top and bottom surfaces bonded to steel plates to restrict compressive deformation. Deformation constraints result in a variation of elastic modulus over the cross section of the rubber layers. In this paper, we describe a normalized compression modulus distribution on a circular rubber pad. The compressive and bending moduli of the rubber pad can be reproduced by applying the distribution to a series of axial springs. We also present a mechanical model for predicting the behavior of elastomeric seismic isolation bearings subject to large shear deformation and high compressive load. The mechanical model consists of a series of multiple shear springs at midheight and a series of axial springs at the top and bottom interfaces of the bearing. Simulation analyses of bearing tests were conducted to validate the proposed model. The analyses demonstrated that a model for circular lead-rubber bearings can successfully capture the influence of the axial load magnitude on the bearing shear behavior. The new model can simulate much more realistic behavior than prior models based on a uniform modulus assumption.     

Seismic response analysis of bridges isolated with friction pendulum bearings

A systematic method is developed for the dynamic analysis of the structures with sliding isolation which is a highly non-linear dynamic problem. According to the proposed method, a unified motion equation can be adapted for both stick and slip modes of the system. Unlike the traditional methods by which the integration interval has to be chopped into infinitesimal pieces during the transition of sliding and non-sliding modes, the integration interval remains constant throughout the whole process of the dynamic analysis by the proposed method so that accuracy and efficiency in the analysis of the non-linear system can be enhanced to a large extent. Moreover, the proposed method is general enough to be adapted for the analysis of the structures with multiple sliding isolators undergoing independent motion conditions simultaneously. The superiority of the proposed method for the analysis of sliding supported structures is verified by a three-span continuous bridge subjected to harmonic motions and real earthquakes. In addition, the side effect of excessive displacement of the superstructure induced by the sliding isolation is eliminated by replacing one of the roller supports on the abutments with hinge support. Therefore, both reductions in the forces of the substructure and the displacements of the superstructure can be achieved simultaneously. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Frictional Behavior of Steel-PTFE Interfaces for Seismic Isolation

The widespread use of sliding bearings for the seismic isolation of structures requires detailed knowledge of their behavior and improved modeling capability under seismic conditions. The paper summarizes the results of a large experimental investigation on steel–PTFE interfaces, aimed at evaluating the effects of sliding velocity, contact pressure, air temperature and state of lubrication on the mechanical behavior of steel-PTFE sliding bearings. Based on the experimental outcomes, two different mathematical models have been calibrated, which are capable of accounting for the investigated parameters in the evaluation of the sliding friction coefficient. The first model is basically an extension of the model proposed by Constantinou et al. (1990)Journal of Earthquake Engineering, 116(2), 455–472, while the second model is derived from the one proposed by Changet al. (1990)Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 116, 2749–2763. Expressions of the model parameters as a function of bearing pressure and air temperature are presented for lubricated and non-lubricated sliding surfaces. Predicted and experimental results are finally compared.     

高压断路器隔震体系抗震可靠度分析

给出了基于随机地震动模型的高压断路器抗震可靠性分析方法。通过建立高压断路器及其隔震体系的有限元计算模型，分析了在断路器底部瓷套管根部加设叠层橡胶垫后的动力性能，分析中利用随机地震动模型，充分考虑地震动的随机作用，给出了四类场地土条件下结构的地震响应均值和标准差；利用一次二阶矩理论计算得到高压断路器的可靠度，给出了各场地土条件下的震害率曲线。结果表明不同场地土条件下隔震垫的减震效果有所差异。     

Seismic Vulnerability of Historical Constructions: A Contribution

Earthquakes are known to be natural hazards that have affected tremendously historical constructions. Unfortunately, as far as earthquake impacts are concerned, there are no world statistics to compare the suffering of populations or of the building stock and their evolution in time, with the damage inflicted to the stock of historical constructions. Lately, a great effort has been placed on engineering developments: (i) to better understand the seismic behaviour of historical construction and (ii) to assess the benefits of different techniques for reinforcing these structures. However, a great deal of discussion is still going on the type of reinforcement that should be applied, how effective it is and how much it costs. Research is needed for helping in these decisions, by providing a more precise framework in this field. The aim of this review is to make an overall insight on some of the available methods for assessing seismic vulnerability of historical constructions and on how to use them in the case of occurrence of an earthquake. Given this occurrence, the objective is to minimize the effects of aftershocks, avoid hurried demolition made under extreme pressure and help shore-up parts in risk of falling. The final aim is also to help in the definition of strategies for the repair of the damaged patrimony, or as a measure to prevent damage in future earthquakes for the most vulnerable cases. The paper is illustrated with the presentation of several examples published in the literature where the author participated. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Response of structures supported on SCF isolation systems

Aseismic base isolation is an effective method used to protect structures and their contents against earthquakes. An isolated structure may be designed to remain elastic throughout major ground motions as a result of the efficiency of the isolation systems. In this paper, the equations of motion of two‐dimensional elastic structures supported on a new base isolation system called the Sliding Concave Foundation (SCF) are presented and a procedure for their solution is suggested. The responses of a number of structures subjected to different earthquake records are evaluated and the results are compared with those of the same structures supported on two other famous isolation systems and also a fixed base condition. The results indicate the effectiveness of the SCF in protecting the supported structures even during very strong and/or long period earthquakes. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

采用板式橡胶支座的连续斜梁桥横向抗震行为研究

为了提高采用板式橡胶支座的斜梁桥横向抗震能力,揭示其在不同设计参数下的横向抗震行为,考虑板式橡胶支座的滑移、钢筋混凝土挡块的滞回力学性能、桥台-背土效应等非线性因素,采用OpenSEES建立某连续斜梁桥的三维分析模型,提出支座位移评价指标、主梁平面转角指标、墩柱曲率延性指标和抗剪指标,研究不同挡块强度和间隙组合下桥梁的横向抗震性能。研究表明:同时增大挡块强度和间隙,总体上会降低支座的横向变形,但会增加其纵向变形;挡块强度越高,主梁的横向位移有所下降,但平面转角越大,对两侧桥台处的支座抗剪越不利;挡块强度越高,间隙越小,墩柱越有可能进入弹塑性状态。在本文桥例中,当挡块强度取40%支反力,间隙取0.08m时,所有抗震指标都可满足规范要求。     

Elastic response spectrum: a historical note

This is the first contribution in a new series of Historical Notes on seminal concepts in earthquake engineering and structural dynamics. It records the origins and early developments (up to the late 1960's) of the elastic response spectrum. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

多塔高层结构隔震设计与分析

结合某多塔高层隔震结构,采用弹性时程分析方法,分析了隔震结构在多遇地震和罕遇地震作用下的响应。主要包括自振周期、层间剪力、倾覆力矩和楼层位移等内容。结果表明,与非隔震情形相比,结构的自振周期明显增大,地震作用得到了较大的衰减。结构在地震作用下的隔震效果明显,楼层剪力及倾覆力矩均得到折减,在罕遇地震作用下隔震效果尤为显著。层间位移主要集中在隔震层,上部结构的层间位移几乎为零。     

A mechanical model for elastomeric seismic isolation bearings including the influence of axial load

For the purpose of predicting the large‐displacement response of seismically isolated buildings, an analytical model for elastomeric isolation bearings is proposed. The model comprises shear and axial springs and a series of axial springs at the top and bottom boundaries. The properties of elastomeric bearings vary with the imposed vertical load. At large shear deformations, elastomeric bearings exhibit stiffening behavior under low axial stress and buckling under high axial stress. These properties depend on the interaction between the shear and axial forces. The proposed model includes interaction between shear and axial forces, nonlinear hysteresis, and dependence on axial stress. To confirm the validity of the model, analyses are performed for actual static loading tests of lead–rubber isolation bearings. The results of analyses using the new model show very good agreement with the experimental results. Seismic response analyses with the new model are also conducted to demonstrate the behavior of isolated buildings under severe earthquake excitations. The results obtained from the analyses with the new model differ in some cases from those given by existing models. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental investigation on a base isolation system incorporating steel–Teflon sliders and pressurized fluid viscous spring dampers

An experimental investigation on a base isolation system incorporating stainless steel–Teflon bearings as sliders, and pressurized fluid viscous spring dampers, is presented in this paper. In the system examined, dampers are connected to the base floor of an isolated building to provide the desired passive control of response in the superstructure, as well as to guarantee that it re‐centres completely after the termination of a seismic action. Two types of experiments were conducted: sinusoidal and random cyclic tests, and a pseudodynamic test in ‘substructured’ configuration. The cyclic tests were aimed at characterizing what follows: the hysteretic and strain‐rate‐dependent response of the considered highly non‐linear spring dampers; the normal pressure‐ and strain‐rate‐dependent frictional behaviour of steel–Teflon bearings, manufactured in compliance with the latest standards for this class of sliders; and the combined response of their assembly. The pseudodynamic test simulated the installation of the protection system at the base of a 2:3‐scale three‐storey steel frame structure, already tested in unprotected conditions by an earlier experimental campaign. Among other findings, the results of the performed tests, as well as of relevant mechanical interpretation and numerical simulation analyses, confirmed the linear additive combination of the dissipative actions of spring dampers and sliders in this mixed installation, and the high protective performance of the considered base isolation/supplemental damping system in a realistic earthquake simulation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

新型雷电预警系统在地震台站的应用

福建地区的雷电活动频繁,地震台站的数据完整性和数据质量因雷电灾害严重降低。为确保台站仪器稳定运行及数据有效可靠,福建局实施多个措施对地震台站内、外部防雷进行整体改造。新型雷电预警系统设定多级报警阀值,并实时监视台站20km范围内大气电场强度,当系统监测值超阀值时,则发出预警并自动切换电源,为前兆仪器设备的防雷发挥着至关重要作用,也为取代人工断电模式提供安全保证,有利于地震台站稳定运行。     

Seismic response analysis of multidrum classical columns

This paper presents a numerical investigation on the seismic response of multidrum classical columns. The motivation for this study originates from the need to understand: (a) the level of ground shaking that classical multidrum columns can survive, and (b) the possible advantages or disadvantages of retrofitting multidrum columns with metallic shear links that replace the wooden poles that were installed in ancient times. The numerical study presented in this paper is conducted with the commercially available software Working Model 2D?, which can capture with fidelity the sliding, rocking, and slide‐rocking response of rigid‐body assemblies. This paper validates the software Working Model by comparing selected computed responses with scarce analytical solutions and the results from in‐house numerical codes initially developed at the University of California, Berkeley, to study the seismic response of electrical transformers and heavy laboratory equipment. The study reveals that relative sliding between drums happens even when the g‐value of the ground acceleration is less than the coefficient of friction, µ, of the sliding interfaces and concludes that: (a) typical multidrum classical columns can survive the ground shaking from strong ground motions recorded near the causative faults of earthquakes with magnitudes M_w=6.0–7.4; (b) in most cases multidrum classical columns free to dislocate at the drum interfaces exhibit more controlled seismic response than the monolithic columns with same size and slenderness; (c) the shear strength of the wooden poles has a marginal effect on the sliding response of the drums; and (d) stiff metallic shear links in‐between column drums may have an undesirable role on the seismic stability of classical columns and should be avoided. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The existence of ‘complete similarities’ in the response of seismic isolated structures subjected to pulse‐like ground motions and their implications in analysis

In this paper the seismic response of isolated structures supported on bearings with bilinear and trilinear behavior is revisited with dimensional analysis in an effort to better understand the relative significance of the various parameters that control the mechanical behavior of isolation systems. An isolation system that consists of lead rubber bearings or of single concave spherical sliding bearings exhibits bilinear behavior; whereas, when a double concave configuration is used the behavior is trilinear. For the case of bilinear behavior it is well known that the value of the normalized yield displacement is immaterial to the response of the isolated superstructure—or, in mathematical terms, that the response of the bilinear oscillator exhibits complete similarity in the dimensionless yield displacement. Similarly, for the case of trilinear behavior the paper shows that the presence of the intermediate slope is immaterial to the peak response of most isolated structures—a finding that shows the response of the trilinear oscillator exhibits a complete similarity in the difference between the coefficients of friction along the two sliding surfaces as well as in the ratio of the intermediate to the final slope. This finding implies that even when the coefficients of friction of the two sliding surfaces are different, the response of isolated structures for most practical configurations can be computed with confidence by replacing the double concave spherical bearings with single concave spherical bearings with an effective radius of curvature and an effective coefficient of friction. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

隔震与非隔震支座对混凝土箱梁桥地震易损性的影响

为评估隔震和非隔震支座对桥梁地震易损性的影响,以一座3跨连续混凝土箱梁桥为分析对象,首先建立采用铅芯橡胶隔震支座与非隔震型盆式橡胶支座下桥梁的数值模型,求得不同程度地震作用下墩顶与支座的最大位移响应;再定义转角延性比损伤指标,结合支座剪应变,分析桥墩和支座的地震易损性情况;最后通过宽界限法建立全桥地震易损性曲线.研究结...