TESTING OF FRICTION PENDULUM SEISMIC ISOLATION BEARINGS FOR BRIDGES

Friction Pendulum bearings have been extensively tested for different environmental conditions and loadings applicable to bridges. Data are presented from various test programs, spanning six years, and including several hundred shake table and compression-shear tests. Shake table tests of bridge models were used to verify dynamic performance of the seismic isloation system. Results are reported for models of bridge decks mounted on flexible piers and rigid abutment supports, and for various types of ground motions, including standard Caltrans ground motion spectra and near fault pulse motions. Comparisons between experimental results and dynamic analysis results are presented. Compression-shear test results are reported for the effects of temperature from minus 20 degrees F to 90 degrees F, 20,000 cycles of thermal movements, simulated aging, scragging, compression overloads, and tension loads. The test results show the effect of these factors on the properties of the bearing. Results for bearing ultimate strength and factors of safety are shown. The implications for the design and application of seismic isolation of bridges are discussed. Stable and predictable responses are observed over a wide range of conditions and loadings, lending support and confidence for the application of seismic isolation to reduce earthquake hazards for bridges.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Concrete Institute (ACI)

  38800 Country Club Drive
  Farmington Hills, MI  United States  48331
• Authors:
  • Zayas, V A
  • Kartoum, A
  • Constantinou, M C
  • Tsopelas, P
• Conference:
  • Fourth World Congress on Joint Sealants and Bearing Systems for Concrete Structures
  • Location: Sacramento, California
  • Date: 1996-9-29 to 1996-10-3
• Publication Date: 1997

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 613-632

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bearings; Bridges; Earthquake resistant structures; Friction; Isolation (Chemistry); Pendulum tests; Seismic prospecting
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00779809
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: SP 164-33
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 14 1999 12:00AM