Lateral Response Evaluation of Fiber-Reinforced Neoprene Seismic Isolators Utilized in an Unbonded Application
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 134, Issue 10
Abstract
This study examines the experimentally obtained lateral response characteristics of model scale square fiber-reinforced elastomeric isolator (FREI) bearings, which are intended to mitigate seismic induced forces on ordinary low-rise buildings. The bearings consist of an unfilled soft neoprene compound as the elastomer material and bidirectional carbon fiber fabric as the reinforcement. The bearings have been employed in an unbonded application, which means they are not attached to the upper and lower platens of the test machine. This unbonded application results in a stable rollover deformation, which decreases the effective lateral stiffness of the bearings and maximizes their efficiency as a seismic isolator device. Lateral load–displacement hysteresis loops of the FREI bearings with unbonded application are generally found to be comparable to that of conventional high damped steel reinforced bearings. The adequacy of the bearings has been verified in conformance with provisions of ASCE in 2005.
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Acknowledgments
This research was carried out as part of the mandate of the McMaster University Centre for Effective Design of Structures funded through the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund, and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The writers also would like to gratefully acknowledge the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT) of Iran.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 134 • Issue 10 • October 2008
Pages: 1627 - 1637
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Nov 1, 2007
Accepted: Feb 29, 2008
Published online: Oct 1, 2008
Published in print: Oct 2008
Notes
Note. Associate Editor: Marvin W. Halling
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