Mechanics Performance Test and Seismic Behavior of a Novel 3D Isolation Bearing for Bridges

A novel three-dimensional (3D) isolation bearing for bridge structures was proposed. The new isolation device is composed of several devices, mainly including: combined disk spring, rhombic steel plate damper, and conventional horizontal isolation device (e.g., lead rubber bearing). The configuration component and mechanical design method are introduced. Experimental testing of every main part of the novel bearing was performed to verify its mechanical performance. Horizontal and vertical pseudo-static mechanical behavior of the proposed 3D isolation bearing (3DIB) were tested on a full-scale 3DIB, respectively. Experimental testing indicated that the proposed 3DIB has reasonable configuration and an explicit mechanical transmission mechanism. The employed component in this paper can satisfy the need for 3D isolation technology from the viewpoint of configuration and mechanical aspect. Pseudo-static tests and case study revealed that appropriate energy dissipation performance can be achieved by reasonable design, keeping favorable stability at plentiful displacement.