Title: Caltrans FHWA Program for Performance Testing of Seismic Isolation and Energy Dissipation Systems

Author(s): Moshen Sultan and Li-Hong Sheng

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 164

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 497-506

Keywords: Damping; earthquake-resistant structures; energy; tests.

DOI: 10.14359/14312

Date: 11/1/1996

Abstract:
In cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) launched a full-scale dynamic testing program of seismic isolation and energy dissipation systems. This program is the first of its kind in the United States and in the world. Over a dozen companies from five countries are participating in the testing program, which will lead to uniform guidelines for prototype and verification testing as well as design guidelines and contract specifications for each of the different systems. This paper provides an overview of the testing program, the evaluation process and the various organizational and technical issues involved in this massive project.