Experimental Investigation of Elastomeric Isolation Bearings with Flexible Supporting Columns

In an effort to mitigate major costs associated with isolation systems, especially in retrofit applications, isolation bearings may be placed on the tops of columns. In this configuration, a seismic gap and additional rigid diaphragm are no longer necessary, and excavation and foundation work may potentially be avoided in retrofit applications; however, columns under the isolation layer may not provide rigid boundary conditions, resulting in …