Experimental assessment of utilizing fiber reinforced elastomeric isolators as bearings for bridge applications

Fiber reinforced elastomeric isolators (FREI) can be implemented in a variety of structures, including buildings and bridges. A FREI consists of alternating layers of elastomer and fiber fabric (often carbon fiber). The main role for the fiber reinforcement is to limit the bulging of the elastomer layers, and is the dominant parameter affecting the vertical stiffness. Compared to tradition steel-reinforced elastomeric isolators (SREI), the use …