Experimental behavior, numerical modeling and parameters evaluation of three-dimensional seismic isolation device

In order to improve the seismic performance of lightweight flexible structures, a new type of air spring-lead rubber bearing (AS-LRB) three-dimensional seismic isolation device with both horizontal and vertical seismic isolation was proposed. The construction of the AS-LRB was introduced, the horizontal and vertical mechanical properties of the AS-LRB were experimentally studied, the finite element (FE) model was developed based on the material properties of the AS-LRB, and the calculation method of the horizontal and vertical mechanical property parameters of the AS-LRB was proposed. The research results show that the air spring (AS) in the AS-LRB bears the vertical seismic isolation, and the lead rubber bearing (LRB) bears the horizontal seismic isolation. The energy dissipation capacity of horizontal seismic isolation is obvious, and its horizontal mechanical properties are significantly affected by the loading amplitude and vertical force. The load displacement behavior of vertical seismic isolation exhibits nonlinear characteristics, and its vertical mechanical properties are obviously affected by vertical force. In comparison with the test results, the FE model proposed can accurately simulate the AS-LRB, and the calculation method can accurately calculate the horizontal and vertical mechanical property parameters of the AS-LRB.