Parametric Study of Sloped Sliding-Type Bearing

Parametric Study of Sloped Sliding-Type Bearing

Seismic isolation design has been regarded as one of the most effective strategies to reduce seismic threat to must-be protected targets, including structures, bridges, and equipment. Recently, much research has aimed at developing nonlinear seismic isolation systems. The sloped slidingtype bearing can achieve the nonlinear goal by mechanically designing a simple slope. Therefore, this bearing does not have a fixed isolation frequency. In addition, seismic isolation performance can be realized through the sliding mechanism, an inherent self-centering capability can be achieved through the slope design, and the sliding friction can contribute an excellent energy dissipation capability. In this study, the equation of motion of the bearing is first deduced. A sensitivity analysis is then performed, whose results demonstrate that the maximum acceleration transmitted to the superstructure is dependent on two important design parameters, the sliding friction coefficient and sloping angle, and most importantly, it is unaffected by various external disturbances. The maximum acceleration after isolation is precisely controlled by the two design parameters.