THERMAL-MECHANICAL COUPLED BEHAVIOR OF TIN RUBBER SEISMIC ISOLATION BEARINGS

Abstract

The authors focus on the thermal-mechanical coupled behavior of tin rubber bearings (SnRBs) under cyclic loading. The research consists of three phases. First, the tests providing a large number of cyclic deformations to the SnRBs were performed. Second, an analysis model considering the thermal-mechanical coupled behavior was constructed by combining a seismic response analysis and thermal conductivity analysis. Finally, seismic response analyses using the model were conducted to evaluate the dynamic behavior of seismically isolated buildings with SnRBs. The authors conclude that characteristic change due to cyclic deformations of the SnRBs should be considered for long-duration earthquake ground motions.