Polymeric Bearings as a new base isolation system suitable for mitigating machine-induced vibrations

摘要

The present paper summarizes the preliminary results of the experimental shaking table investigation conducted in order to verify the effectiveness of a new base isolation system consisting of Polymeric Bearings in reducing strong horizontal machine-induced vibrations. Polymeric Bearing considered in the present study is a prototype base isolation system, which was constructed with the use of a specially prepared flexible polymer with improved damping properties. Dynamic oscillatory tests, during which a concrete base slab supported by four Polymeric Bearings was subjected to horizonal sinusoidal excitations characterized by different frequencies and amplitudes, were conducted in order to determine the damping properties of Polymeric Bearings and their effectiveness in mitigating structural vibrations. Equivalent damping ratios for every excitation frequency considered were determined using the experimentally obtained hysteresis loops. Final conclusions are presented and the results discussed.