Evaluation of high-damping elastomers for seismic isolation systems

更好地了解加拿大建筑和桥梁的抗震需求导致了更严格的抗震设计要求。隔震被认为是减少地震破坏最有效的方法之一。它涉及在桥梁的主梁和桥墩/桥台之间引入低横向刚度单元。这些被称为隔震器(或支座)的柔性元件可以减少和重新分配地震引起的侧向力。为了使由弹性隔震器组成的隔震系统有效地工作，隔震器必须耗散足够的能量。加拿大境内经历的极端气候温度范围要求使用能够在极冷和极热温度下保持足够灵活性的专用弹性体。不幸的是，到目前为止，还没有确定一种适用于整个加拿大弹性体隔离系统的高阻尼橡胶(HDR)。本提案中概述的研究重点是使用修改后的ASTM 4014测试协议对不同的HDR原型样品进行评估。这些信息将使先进的HDR弹性体系统的开发适用于加拿大各地的各种结构。

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.