STUDY ON THE RESPONSE OF ELASTOMERIC BEARINGS WITH 3D NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS AND EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION

Abstract eng:
Multi-layer elastomeric bearings are used as common means of isolation with a large number of applications over the last 20 years in infrastructure assets. In this regard, seismic isolation is one of the most promising design philosophies for protecting structures against the catastrophic effects of earthquakes. Isolated bridges should be designed to respond with minimal or no damage (i.e. essentially elastic behavior). Additionally, in isolated bridges seismically induced damage is expected to be concentrated within the isolators, which are designed to be easily replaced. Thus, isolated bridges are resilient structures as their design is aligned to the principles of resilience, i.e. low-damage and quick restoration. Elastomeric bearings can be subjected to large axial loads and /shear displacements during strong earthquakes, which may also induce buckling effects. The recent Forcellini and Kelly (2014) model for elastomeric bearings allows to take into account large deformation response of a bearing when buckling occurs. This paper aims to identify the accuracy of this theory using experimental results and detailed numerical simulations carried out on ABAQUS. The finite element (FE) model has been reproduced with a layered system able to represent the alternating steel and rubber layers and the bolted connections. The presented FE model can be used as a powerful tool for predicting the non-linear behaviors registered during the lab tests. This study will provide new insights useful to designers, engineers and consultants.

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