Seismic performance of modular steel structure with X-shaped rubber bearings: Shaking table tests

To facilitate the promotion of modular steel structures (MSSs) in residential and industrial buildings, X-shaped rubber bearings (XRBs) with enhanced ultimate deformation properties are applied in high seismic fortification zone. Currently, there is a lack of seismic performance evaluation for MSS equipped with XRB. Thus, an assessment of the probability of seismic damage of isolated structures has been carried out based on experimental results. Subsequently, the design and construction of a typical modular seismically isolated steel structure (MSISS) have been carried out. Based on shaking table tests, the displacement, acceleration, and strain responses of the full-scale test model under seismic excitation have been measured, and the seismic simulation analysis of the numerical model is performed. Compared with ordinary laminated rubber bearings, XRB shows high ultimate deformation capacity and excellent compressive and shear stability. The results of the study show that the use of XRBs is effective in reducing the risk of seismic failure of the MSISS model compared to the use of cylindrical rubber bearings (CRBs).