Title: Experimental Study of Bridge Seismic Isolation Systems

Author(s): MichaelI C. Constantinou and Panos Tsopelas

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 164

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 253-272

Keywords: bearings; bridge bearings; bridges (structures); dynamic tests; earthquake-resistant structures; Structural Research

DOI: 10.14359/1447

Date: 11/1/1996

Abstract:
In 1991, the University at Buffalo and Taisei Corporation began a collaborative research program on the experimental study of advanced sliding seismic isolation systems for bridges. The project had the objectives of producing and experimentally verifying a class of sliding isolation systems by modifying and/or adapting existing technology. Particular emphasis was given to the adaptation and use of aerospace and military hardware. Furthermore, the project included the study of established sliding isolation systems, such as the friction pendulum system (FPS) which has been used in a number of buildings and other, but not bridge, applications and the lubricated sliding bearing/yielding steel damper system used in a large number of bridges in Italy. This paper presents a description of the experimental program and representative results.