A polynomial analytical model of rubber bearings based on series of tests

Rubber bearings are among the most frequently applied devices in seismic isolation. Although the behavior of rubber bearings under strong earthquakes is nonlinear, it is often interpreted through the bilinear constitutive law. The investigations presented in this paper represent a successful attempt to simulate nonlinear force–displacement relationships. The first part of the paper covers production and testing of rubber bearings and results obtained. The second part deals with development of a simple nonlinear mathematical model of a rubber bearing involving a polynomial function and eight additional parameters obtained from biaxial tests. The polynomial model can simulate the behavior of natural rubber bearings in case of small and large deformations. The model is capable of covering the strengthening of the rubber in conditions of large deformations, including the loading history effect. Based on comparison between the analytical and experimental results, it is concluded that the proposed polynomial model is capable enough to simulate the force–displacement relationship of rubber bearings.