Finite element stress analysis of rubber isolators

Abstract

Rubber isolators or rubber bearings are common to be found in engineering structures such as buildings and bridges. The isolators are used in those structures to reduce or eliminate vibration effect on the main structures. An isolator, as the name suggests, isolates main structure from substructure. In structural earthquake engineering, natural rubber and steel are used as base isolators for energy dissipation systems to reduce earthquake effect on structures. With laminated natural rubber and steel, the bearing can provide high vertical stiffness and flexibility in horizontal direction to ensure the mounts can support the loading from the structure and prevent excessive sideways from any horizontal loading especially when earthquake occur. This project investigates the shape factor on the stress distributions and stress concentrations of a laminated elastomeric bearing subjected to vertical loads. The equipment uses are Solid Work 2005 and LS Dyna software. The end of this project should simulate the finite element model of rubber isolator.