The application of seismic isolation technology has become a key means to improve the seismic resistance of structures in construction and bridge engineering. Among them, Lead rubber bearing and high damping rubber bearing are two important isolation devices, each with unique characteristics and applicable scenarios. This article will explore in detail the differences between Lead rubber bearing and high damping rubber bearing from multiple perspectives, in order for readers to make reasonable choices in practical engineering.
Structure and Composition
Lead rubber bearing are mainly composed of rubber, internal lead cores, and upper and lower connecting steel plates. This structure makes the lead core isolation rubber bearing not only have good elasticity, but also have certain damping characteristics. The rubber part provides horizontal flexibility, allowing the structure to produce a certain horizontal displacement under seismic action, while the lead core consumes seismic energy through plastic deformation.
High damping rubber bearing mainly utilize the damping characteristics of high damping rubber materials to dissipate seismic energy. During the deformation process, high damping rubber consumes energy through intermolecular friction and internal friction. Due to the absence of lead cores, the composition of high damping rubber bearing is relatively simple, mainly composed of high damping rubber and connecting steel plates.
Working principle and performance
The working principle of lead rubber bearing combines the elastic deformation of rubber and the plastic deformation of lead core. During an earthquake, the elastic deformation of rubber can extend the natural vibration period of the structure, avoiding the dominant period of the earthquake and reducing the input of seismic energy. Meanwhile, the plastic deformation of the lead core can consume seismic energy and reduce the vibration response of the structure. Due to the presence of lead cores, the initial stiffness of lead rubber bearing is relatively high, which can effectively control the displacement of the structure under wind loads and small earthquakes.
High damping rubber bearing mainly dissipate seismic energy through the deformation of high damping rubber. During the deformation process, high damping rubber consumes energy through intermolecular friction and internal friction, thereby achieving shock absorption effect. Due to the absence of lead cores, the damping characteristics of high damping rubber bearing are mainly determined by the rubber material itself. High damping rubber bearing can exhibit a high damping ratio during deformation and effectively dissipate seismic energy over a wide frequency range.
Scope of application and advantages
Lead rubber bearing are suitable for buildings and bridge structures that require high seismic resistance and allow for a certain initial stiffness. The advantage of lead rubber bearing is that they can provide stable damping effect while controlling the displacement of the structure. Lead rubber bearing have certain advantages when it is necessary to clearly control the displacement of small earthquakes in the structure. In addition, lead core seismic isolation rubber bearings also have the characteristics of low maintenance and management costs, and strong reset ability.
High damping rubber bearing are suitable for structures that have high environmental requirements and hope to have stable shock absorption performance under different earthquake intensities. high damping rubber bearing are more environmentally friendly as they do not contain lead cores. In some places where there are special restrictions on metal materials, high damping rubber bearing are a better choice. The advantage of high damping rubber bearing lies in their high damping ratio, which can effectively dissipate seismic energy over a wide frequency range and provide good shock absorption effects for earthquakes of different intensities. In addition, the surface of the high damping support has a protective layer that protects the interior from ultraviolet radiation and atmospheric oxidation, and has anti-aging and corrosion-resistant properties.
Actual application and effect
In practical engineering, both lead rubber bearing and high damping rubber bearing have achieved significant results. For example, in an earthquake in the Hanshin area of Japan, buildings using base isolation technology maintained normal operation during and after the earthquake, including those using lead rubber bearing. Similarly, in the earthquake in Northridge, Los Angeles, USA, buildings using base isolation technology also performed well and played an excellent rescue role.
In bridge engineering, high damping rubber bearing have also been widely used. Due to the high requirements for structural stability and durability of bridges, high damping rubber bearing can provide good shock absorption effects while meeting environmental requirements. In areas with special environmental requirements such as highways and high-tech industrial parks, high damping rubber bearing have become the preferred seismic isolation device.
Economy and Sustainability
From the perspectives of economy and sustainability, both lead rubber bearing and high damping rubber bearing have certain advantages. Lead rubber bearing have been widely used in practical engineering due to their simple structure and stable performance, and have good economic benefits. Meanwhile,lead rubber bearing can quickly reset after earthquakes, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
High damping rubber bearing have been widely used in areas with special environmental requirements due to their environmental performance and stable shock absorption effect. The material production of high damping rubber bearing is relatively simple and does not require additional damping devices, therefore it has good economy. In addition, the aging and corrosion resistance of high damping rubber bearing also ensure their long-term stability during use.
Conclusion
In summary, there are significant differences between lead rubber bearing and high damping rubber bearing in terms of structure, working principle, scope of application, practical application, economy, and sustainability. In practical engineering, suitable seismic isolation devices should be selected based on specific needs and conditions. Lead rubber bearing are suitable for buildings and bridge structures that require high seismic resistance and allow for a certain initial stiffness, while high damping rubber bearing are suitable for structures that require high environmental protection and hope to have stable seismic performance under different earthquake intensities. By selecting and applying seismic isolation devices reasonably, the seismic resistance of buildings and bridges can be effectively improved, ensuring the safety of people’s lives and property.