A Comparative Assessment of Sliding and Elastomeric Seismic Isolation in a Typical Multi-Span Bridge

This article compares the performance of sliding vs. elastomeric seismic isolation in a typical Multi-Span Continuous Concrete Girder bridge using advanced nonlinear seismic isolator models. The Friction Pendulum System (FPS) and the Lead Rubber Bearing (LRB) are selected as representative examples of sliding and elastomeric isolators, respectively. The newly presented LRB model captures the horizontal and vertical coupling of the response and allows monitoring the strength and stiffness fluctuations in the time domain. The elastomeric scheme provides a more uniform response along the bridge, and imparts lower demand to the substructure but acquires higher displacements than the sliding alternative.