A numerical simulation model for cooperative control of environmental vibrations and seismic forces in bidirectional steel spring-friction pendulum isolation bearing

The isolation bearing with capacity of dual-vibration control induced by train operation and earthquakes is a comprehensive solution to reduce the long term vertical environmental vibration, and to alleviate the structural damage brought by the high-amplitude vibration caused by earthquakes. In this paper, the authors propose a bidirectional steel spring-friction pendulum isolation bearing for dual control of vibrations and seismic forces, also referred to as cooperative control of weak environmental vibrations and strong seismic motions. However, in-depth research is needed to understand how bidirectional steel springs can be used for long-term vertical weak environmental vibration control induced by train operation, and how friction pendulums can be used for strong horizontal seismic motion control. The authors developed a refined numerical simulation model to achieving its dimension-reduction and decoupling design. Based on multi-body dynamics and the finite element method, the authors developed a hybrid simulation technique to accurately model bidirectional steel spring-friction pendulum bearings. This technique verified the effectiveness of the friction pendulum bearings in resisting horizontal seismic forces and the steel spring bearings in resisting vertical train-induced vibrations. The model will facilitate the optimal design of bidirectional steel spring-friction pendulum dual-vibration-control-bearing.