Evaluation of laminated rubber bearings for seismic isolation using modified macro-model with parameter equations of instantaneous apparent shear modulus

In this paper, the mechanical characteristics of laminated rubber bearings (LRB), such as P-delta effects and ultimate behavior, are investigated by u sing a modified macro-model with the parameter equations of instantaneous a pparent shear modulus (IASM) obtained from the results of one test by the s imple least square curve fitting method. Using parameter equations of IASM in the macro-model the mechanical characteristics of LRB can be more accura tely evaluated with simple procedures in both small and large shear strain regions. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.