A Roller Seismic Isolation Bearing for Highway Bridges

Abstract eng:
A new roller seismic isolation bearing is developed for use in highway bridges. This new bearing uses rolling of cylindrical rollers on V-shaped sloping surfaces to achieve seismic isolation. The bearing is characterized by a constant spectral acceleration under horizontal ground motions and by a self-centering capability, which are two desirable properties for seismic applications. The former makes resonance less likely to occur between the bearing and horizontal earthquakes while the latter guarantees the bridge superstructure can self-center to its original position after earthquakes. To provide supplemental energy dissipation to reduce the seismic responses, the bearing is designed with built-in sliding friction mechanisms. This paper first presents the acceleration responses of and forces acting on the bearing under base excitation. Next, the governing equation of horizontal motions, the base shear-horizontal displacement relationship, and conditions for self-centering for the rollers to maintain in contact with the bearing plates and for rolling without sliding are discussed.

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