Seismic performance of a novel three-dimensional isolation bearing

Structural isolation technology has been proven to be an effective means of realizing the seismic resilience of structures. Traditional horizontal isolation bearing can not effectively isolate vertical ground motions, therefore, it is of importance to develop high-performance three-dimensional isolation bearings. This study proposes a novel three-dimensional isolation bearing composed of a horizontal laminated lead rubber bearing (LRB) and a vertical ring spring bearing (RSB) arranged vertically in series. Three specimens were designed and experimentally investigated for the horizontal and vertical mechanical behaviors of the bearing. The three-dimensional vibration control of a six-story structure was analyzed using the proposed isolation bearing. Test results indicate that the proposed three-dimensional isolation bearing has a reliable connecting structure and the design can achieve horizontal and vertical decoupling of the bearing. The horizontal energy dissipation performance of the three-dimensional isolation bearing is stable regardless of the horizontal displacements and compressive stresses , and the bearing inherits the promising horizontal isolation performance of the LRB. The vertical performance of the three-dimensional bearing is mainly attributed to the RSB and inherits the advantages of an RSB with a large bearing capacity and small vertical stiffness. The structure using the three-dimensional isolation bearing has excellent horizontal and vertical isolation performance and can effectively isolate horizontal and vertical ground motions. • A novel three-dimensional isolation bearing, composed of a horizontal laminated lead rubber bearing and a vertical ring spring bearing, was designed and manufactured. • The horizontal and vertical mechanical behaviors of the bearing were tested in the laboratory. • The bearing has a large vertical bearing capacity, low vertical stiffness, strong vertical deformation capacity, and a reliable connection structure. • A finite element analysis of a six-story structure confirmed that the bearing can effectively prolong the horizontal and vertical period and reduce the acceleration response of the superstructure.