Seismic Performance of Laminated Rubber Bearing Bridges Subjected to High Intensity Earthquake Time-History Loading

Abstract

Malaysia needs to be more aware of the seismic effect on the infrastructure facilities especially on the bridge structure located in the dense population which is prone to the earthquake especially in Peninsular Malaysia. If the bridges fail in the event of earthquake, the rescue and relief effort will be halted. The most common strategy to enable the bridge sustain under the seismic loading is by using base isolator. Base isolator will reduce the reaction of the seismic force to the bridge. At present, the studies of the numerical modeling using 3D solid element are minimal. In this paper, the Finite Element Analysis using 3D solid element was chosen because it increases the accuracy of analysis result. In order to obtain the details response of the laminated rubber bearing (LRB), transient analysis was done under Kobe earthquake excitation. Structural damage in the form of permanent deformation is unavoidable. The failure of the laminated rubber bearing will made the superstructure’s weight disable to provide a reasonable balance between shear force transmitted to the pier and displacement of the bridge deck. It was also found that the high value of displacement occurred at the elastomer in the laminated rubber bearing under Kobe earthquake excitation.