OPTIMIZATION OF DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE OF HIGH DAMPING RUBBER BEARINGS FOR SEISMIC AND VIBRATION ISOLATION

Objective

All the objectives of the project were successfully achieved. In particular:
the HDRBs developed are capable of undertaking vertical loads and transfer deformations that are rather larger than the target values;
such isolators are characterized by damping ratios that are larger than the target value, limited temperature effects as required and adequate lifetime and resistance to all the other effects of interest;
reliable finite-element models of the HDRBs were developed for design and qualification of such bearings;
adequate simplified models of the HDRBs were developed for the analysis of isolated structures;
adequate testing procedures were assessed for the qualification and acceptance of the HDRBs;
large benefits of isolation systems using the assessed HDRBs were quantified on the behaviour of civil and industrial structures;
adequate guidelines for an user manual for the HDRBs were drawn up.
It is proposed to optimize the design features and performance of laminated rubber bearings for seismic and vibration isolation, through the fabrication of high-quality innovative devices. This goal will be attained through both the improvement of bearing materials and design and the optimization of the manufacturing process and quality control. The aim is to provide a good tool for a considerable improvement of the safety and protection of new contructions from seismic and non-seismic vibrations, and for retrofitting existing structures so as to make them capable of withstanding such vibrations. Activities will be carried out according to the following phases:

a) definition of compounds specifications and of finished isolators;
b) development of new compounds;
c) assessment of useful life;
d) development of manufacturing techniques and fabrication of isolators;
e) experimental validation of single isolators and isolation systems;
f) development of numerical tools;
g) optimization of the procedures for installation, protection, maintenance, replacement and repair of isolators
h) preparation of users' manual for the design, installation, protection, maintenance, and repair of isolators;
i) evaluation of the benefits of isolation for the design of structures. The achievement of the aforesaid objectives will open important markets to both the European manufacturers of bearings and construction firms.

Programme(s)

• FP3-BRITE/EURAM 2 - Specific programme (EEC) of research and technological development in the field of industrial and materials technologies, 1990-1994

Topic(s)

• 1.3.3 - Polymers and polymer matrix composites

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

ENEL SPA

Address

Via Pozzobonelli 6
20162 Milano
Italy

Participants (6)

Alga SpA

Italy

Address

Via Olona 12
20123 Milano

Dyckerhoff & Widmann AG

Germany

Address

Erdinger Landstraße 81
81829 München

Ente per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e l'Ambiente (ENEA)

Italy

Address

Via Martiri Di Monte Sole, 4
40129 Bologna

SHW

Germany

Address

Zeppelinstraße 122
7300 Esslingen

Stin SpA

Italy

Address

Via Della Bufalotta 336
00139 Roma

TUN ABDUL RAZAK RESEARCH CENTRE LTD.

United Kingdom

Address

Brickendon Lane Brickendonbury
SG13 8NL Hertford