Implementation and validation of hyperelastic finite element models of high damping rubber bearings

In this paper the reliability of finite element models for simulating the behaviour of high damping rubber bearings is presented. Since 1992, hyperelastic models of seismic isolators have been developed and implemented in the ABAQUS code by ENEA and ENEL in the framework of Italian R&D studies for seismic isolation, European Projects and international co-operations. Several rubber compounds of different mechanical characteristics and several isolators, characterised by different materials, sizes, attachment systems and geometrical features have been analysed. Seismic isolators models have been validated through comparisons of numerical results with complete bearing test data. Based on the experience achieved,…