A LEAD-RUBBER SHEAR DAMPER

A lead-rubber damper consisting of a steel-reinforced elastomeric bearing with a lead insert fitted in its centre has been tested at earthquake-li ke frequencies (0.9 Hz) with a vertical load applied. For an engineering shear strain of +0.59, the damper completed 340 cycles and operated satisfactorily at temperatures of -35 + 5°C and 45 + 5°C. We believe that the lead-rubber damper is suitable for Installing in""base- isolation systems for the protection of buildings and bridges during earthquakes.