forces in motion
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Isolators

MAURER isolators are specially modified structural bearings that enable effective decoupling of a structure from the foundations. This results in the vibration period of the structure being increase to the the range of two and five seconds. At the same time, increased damping through energy dissipation in the structural elements causes an additional decrease in acceleration and ultimately of forces in the structure. Lower acceleration by a factor of two to five means that severe structural damage through seismic impact can be averted.

  • Transfer of vertical loads
  • Horizontal displacement and rotation capabilities
  • Horizontal recentring
  • Effective dissipation of energy by increasing damping

MAURER Sliding Pendulums:                          SIP®-A, SIP®-D, SIP®

MAURER sliding isolators:                               SI

MAURER elastomeric bearings:                      MLRB, MLDRB/MHDRB 

MAURER Isolators Sliding pendulums and sliding isolators Elastomeric bearings
Displacement capacity ≥ ±1.5 m < ±500 mm then not economically viable
Rotation capacity ≥ ±0.3 rad < ±0.015 rad
Temperature -50° to +80°C -30° to +50°C
Size small to medium large
Service life > 50 years 30 years
Isolation period 2 - 6 sec < 3 sec
Change after earthquake 4 - 6 MCE events possible, no wear 2 - 3 MCE events possible
Maintenance virtually maintenance-free virtually maintenance-free

Sliding isolators - SI

MAURER sliding isolators are flat structural bearings with special energy dissipation properties when horizontally displacing. Using the MSM® sliding material in lubricated and unlubricated conditions can determine the friction for energy dissipation damping. As a rule, these bearings are combined with elastomeric bearings (MLRB or similar) to provide the necessary recentring. SI sliding isolators feature one flat sliding plate that accommodates horizontal displacement but does not produce a recentring effect. Rotation capability is excellent. Ideally they are designed for just one specific magnitude of earthquake.

Sliding isolation pendulum - SIP®

The horizontal motion in sliding isolation pendulums takes place in a concave sliding plate with a defined radius of curvature. The bearing stores potential energy when displacing horizontally by increasing in height. This means that the SIP®s bearing can return to the initial position due to service movement or during and after an earthquake. In addition, the radius of curvature controls the pendulum period that is needed to achieve the response range in areas of low acceleration. Friction in the paired MSM® and stainless-steel sheet produces the required damping to control or restrict horizontal seismic movement. MAURER’s SIP®-V sliding isolation pendulum was developed for a combination of seismic protection and vibration isolation.

SIP®-A adaptive sliding isolation pendulums

produce optimum structural isolation, irrespective of the magnitude of earthquake. The two-phase mode of action ensures low shear resistance during thermal motion and low seismic intensity – very good for designing the foundations/substructure. Damping increases in stronger earthquakes and rigidity may also be increased to. This reduces the seismic motion of the structure. In addition, high rotation capability is ensured.

SIP®-D double sliding pendulum bearings

have an inner puck that moves between two identical concave bearing plates. This doubles motion capacity when compared with a single SIP® with the same diameter. The size of the bearing contact surface can therefore be significantly reduced while maintaining the same movement capacity. There is only limited rotation capability. Typically, the design can be made for just one specific magnitude of earthquake.

SIP®-V double sliding pendulum bearings

Properties are similar to SIP®-D for seismic isolation. Additional isolation for high-frequency vibrations.

SIP® sliding isolation pendulums

have a single concave sliding plate, thus only displacing on this single sliding plate, which leads to a larger bearing plan area. An advantage is that eccentricity of the load transfer only occurs on one side – towards the superstructure or substructure. Rotation capability is excellent. Typically, the design can be made for just one specific magnitude of earthquake.

++++ very good +++ good ++ limited + very limited
Sliding isolation pendulum with recentring SIP®-A SIP®-D/ SIP®-V SIP®
Behaviour in the event of minor, frequent earthquakes ++++ ++ ++
Behaviour during DBE (design basis earthquakes ++++ +++ +++
Behaviour during MCE (maximum considered earthquakes) ++++ ++ ++
Size +++ +++ ++
Rotation capacity ++++ + ++++
Shear resistance ++++ ++ ++
Relative displacement +++ ++ ++
Recentring ++++ ++++ ++++
++++ very good +++ good ++ limited + very limited
Sliding isolation pendulum without recentring SI
Behaviour in the event of minor, frequent earthquakes ++
Behaviour during DBE (design basis earthquakes) ++
Behaviour during MCE (maximum considered earthquakes) +
Size ++
Rotation capacity ++++
Shear resistance +++
Relative displacement +
Recentring +

Elastomeric bearings

Reinforced elastomeric bearings are subjected to shear deformation during earthquakes. These isolators transmit the vertical loads from the structure to the foundations and simultaneously allow rotation and elastic recentring of the superstructure.

Elastomeric bearing with lead core - MAURER Lead Rubber Bearing (MLRB)

Horizontal elastic deformation of the elastomer layers and dissipation of energy in the similarly deforming lead core produce intense damping of the structure and displacements are substantially reduced. These bearings are suitable for major earthquakes.

MAURER elastomeric bearings MLRB
Shear modulus G 0.4 – 1.35 N/mm²
Effective damping ξ ~ 5 to 35 %
Displacement (standard) to ± 500 mm
Vertical loads (standard) 1,000 – 41,000 kN

Elastomeric bearings, with a slight and strong damping effect - MLDRB / MHDRB

The choice of elastomer material results in different degrees of damping. However, when compared to lead core isolators, damping always lower with these bearings. Typically, they are generally used for minor seismic loads or in conjunction with hydraulic dampers.

MAURER Low Damping Rubber Bearing:  MLDRB

MAURER High Damping Rubber Bearing: MHDRB

MAURER elastomeric bearings MLDRB MHDRB
Shear modulus G 0.4 – 1.1 N/mm² 0.4 – 1.1 N/mm²
Degree of damping with 100% shear deformation 6% 10%