Effects of seismic isolation bearing with sliding mechanism on the response of bridge

In this paper, the seismic analysis and the modelling techniques have been introduced for aseismic performances assessment, when seismic isolation bearings are applied on a bridge. Nonlinear time-history analysis is carried out using finite element analysis program. In this study, El Centro earthquake (1940, N00W), Mexico earthquake (1985, N90W), and artificial earthquake are used as earthquake ground motions. The response of seismic isolated bridge is compared with that of a bridge using conventional POT bearings, after obtaining the displacements of the deck, the deformations of the piers, shear forces and moments of the bottoms of the piers. The results show that seismic isolation bearing could reduce earthquake forces. According to characteristics of input earthquake ground motions or combination method of materials, the effect of seismic isolation bearings becomes different. Especially EDF (Electricite De France) system which is seismic isolation bearing with sliding mechanism, could reduce earthquake forces well.