Base isolation system with shape memory alloy device for elevated highway bridges

Abstract

Base isolation provides a very effective passive method of protecting bridges from the hazard of earthquakes. The proposed smart isolation system combines a laminated rubber bearing with a device made of shape memory alloy (SMA). The smart base isolation utilizes the different responses of the SMA at different levels of strain to control the displacements of the rubber bearing at various excitation levels. At the same time the hysteresis of the alloy is used to increase the energy dissipation capacity.