Earthquake energy absorbers

The behaviour of translational friction-type earthquake energy absorber, lined with different types of corrmercially available friction materials, is investigated experimentally. Since the temperature at the bridge site can often be at sub-zero or sub-freezing levels, it may be necessary to study the behaviour of the earthquake energy absorber under such severe weather conditions. In addition to under nonnal room temperature, tests of the earthquake energy absorber have been carried out at 0°c, -10°c, -15°c and -20°c. The other friction-type earthquake energy absorber is also investigated. This friction-type unit, which absorbed earthquake energy by means of rotational clutch mechanism, is tested at room temperature.