The friction pendulum seismic isolation bearing is a seismic isolation device that utilizes the principle of a single pendulum to extend the natural vibration period of the structure and employs spherical contact friction sliding to dissipate energy. A “soft connection” is adopted between the upper and lower structures, which can reduce the lateral forces and horizontal vibrations transmitted to the structure, protecting it from damage during earthquakes.
High-precision machining and special friction materials endow the friction pendulum seismic isolation bearings with the following advantages:
With stable hysteretic behavior and excellent durability, it exhibits high reliability under the influence of factors such as temperature and long-term loading. The period of the upper structure can be controllably adjusted, with the lateral stiffness being self-adjustable and the vibration period being self-resetting, independent of the mass loaded on the structure. However, friction pendulum isolation bearings also have notable disadvantages:
Completely lacking in tensile resistance, and relying more on auxiliary devices such as anti-pullout and anti-wind isolation systems, qualified building friction pendulum isolation bearings are generally more expensive than other types of isolation products, especially due to their relatively high maintenance costs