초록 ▼

A stabilization system protects a structural member from the effects of seismic disturbances. Pendular isolators are positioned between a structure fixed to the ground and the structural member, which is movable and which is sought to be protected, such as a complete building, a building slab upon w

A stabilization system protects a structural member from the effects of seismic disturbances. Pendular isolators are positioned between a structure fixed to the ground and the structural member, which is movable and which is sought to be protected, such as a complete building, a building slab upon which sensitive equipment is used, or a bridge deck. The pendular isolators can be rods extending between the building and the slab floor, wherein ends of rods connected to the slab floor include a spherical friction knuckle joint or bearing, i.e., knuckle element/socket assembly. Alternatively, each pendular isolator can be a set of supports movable relative to each other and connected by at least one rod having a knuckle joint at each end thereof. The friction at the knuckle joint is utilized to provide a damping of the seismic disturbance, thereby permitting only limited relative movement between the fixed structure and the movable structural member in the event of a seismic disturbance. The lengths of the pendular isolators are adjustable.

대표청구항 ▼

[ what is claimed is:] [1.] A structure stabilization system responsive to seismic disturbances, comprising:a first structural member adapted to be connected to the earth;a second structural member which is adapted to be movable relative to the earth, and which is to be stabilized; anda plurality of

[ what is claimed is:] [1.] A structure stabilization system responsive to seismic disturbances, comprising:a first structural member adapted to be connected to the earth;a second structural member which is adapted to be movable relative to the earth, and which is to be stabilized; anda plurality of knuckle damping pendular isolators, each having a first portion connected to the first structural member and a second portion connected to the second structural member, each first and second portion including a spherical bearing having surface-to-surface frictional contact and whose radius and surface friction coefficient are pre-selected to provide a pre-selected damping necessary to stabilize the second structural member against the seismic disturbances.