Evaluation of high-damping elastomers for seismic isolation systems

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An better understanding of the seismic demand on Canada's buildings and bridges has led to more stringent seismic design requirements. Seismic isolation is considered to be one of the most effective methods to reduce earthquake-induced damage. It involves the introduction of low lateral stiffness elements between the girders and piers/abutments of a bridge. These flexible elements, which are called isolators (or bearings), reduce and redistribute the earthquake induced lateral forces. For a seismic isolation system comprised of elastomeric isolators to perform effectively, the isolators must dissipate a sufficient amount of energy. The extreme range of climatic temperatures experienced within Canada requires the use of specialized elastomers that are capable of maintaining sufficient flexibility under both extremely cold and hot temperatures. Unfortunately, to date a suitable high-damping rubber (HDR) for use in elastomeric isolation systems throughout Canada has not been identified. The research outlined in this proposal focuses on the evaluation of different prototype HDR specimens using a modified ASTM 4014 test protocol. This information will enable the development of advanced HDR elastomeric systems suitable for application in a variety of structures located throughout Canada.