Proposing a new hybrid friction–yielding–elastomeric bearing

A new hybrid isolator consisting of elastomeric bearing, sliding parts and yielding dampers named friction–yielding–elastomeric bearing (FYEB) is proposed. In this hybrid isolator, the friction–yielding part has an energy absorption feature, where the rubber pad has re-centering and vertical bearing capacity. For this purpose, an X-shaped metal damper with different number and thickness, and sliding surfaces with different friction coefficients is applied and the effect of vertical load variations on the results is assessed. Using the hysteresis force-displacement diagrams of different FYEB and lead rubber bearing (LRB) with the same dimensions at shear strains of 50, 100, and 150%, effective horizontal stiffness, energy dissipation, equivalent viscous damping, and lateral force at each loading cycle are assessed and compared. It can be concluded that the proposed isolator has a more suitable and stable performance at all shear strains than LRB. In addition, by changing FYEB parameters, a wide range of performance can be achieved