Nonlinear viscoelastic isolation for seismic vibration mitigation

The aim of this paper is to assess the effectiveness nonlinear viscoelastic damping in controlling base-excited vibrations. Specifically, focus on investigating robustness base isolation performance system response due a wide set possible excitation spectra. dynamic model derived study simple structure whose provided via Rubber-Layer Roller Bearing (RLRB) (rigid cylinders rolling rigid plates with highly rubber coatings) equipped cubic spring, thus presenting both and stiffness. We found that, under periodic loading, non-monotonic bell-shaped arising from contacts, different regimes occur mostly depending whether peak overcome or not. Interestingly, former case, poorly damped self-excited vibrations may be triggered by steep decrease. Moreover, order investigate performance, we consider real seismic excitations, showing that tuned RLRB provide loads wider range spectra, compared generic linear isolators. This peculiarly suited for applications (such as failure engineering) which specific spectrum unknown priori, blind design statistical data has employed.