Study of reinforced elastomeric bearings for structures in seismic areas

Abstract

The article presents the results of the experimental determination of the physical and mechanical characteristics of rubber-metal vibration-proof supports used in the construction of facilities in the areas of increased seismic hazard. The testing was based on two necessities: to substantiate the possibility of using such a constructive seismic protection solution and to create reliable calculation models of the structures with rubber-metal support. More than thirty samples were tested in the laboratory under various loads and impacts. The elastomers were tested in accordance with the requirements written in EN-1337-3. The experiment was performed on three types of elastomer model samples to determine their vertical and horizontal stiffness, the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity and creep. The work was performed on INSTRON power equipment and a test rig equipped with MTS hydraulic jacks installed in the power frame. The testing results of elastomeric support models were confirmed by the determination of individual characteristics on the full size specimens at the corresponding load. Thus, the test has confirmed and proved the validity of the use of elastomeric bearings for seismic protection of a mall construction.