Compression and shear tests of anisotropic high damping rubber bearings

Here, we describe the mechanical characteristics of elastomeric bearings having different shear stiffness in the two principal in-plane directions. The anisotropy is introduced during the vulcanization process by arranging the steel reinforcing plates to form a predefined angle with respect to the horizontal plane. The slope of the V-shaped steel plates is positive in the first half of the bearing and changes sign in the second. In the longitudinal direction the plates are still horizontal. The bearings are subjected to a series of compression and shear tests and the corresponding results are summarized and compared. It is shown that the new design concept provides a valuable alternative for elastomeric bearings. The ratio of the shear stiffness in the two principal in-plane directions can be used as a design parameter to maximize the benefit provided by laminated elastomeric bearings for the seismic isolation of structures.