High-damping rubber bearings are an upgraded version of lead-core seismic isolation bearings. Their key features are environmental friendliness and reduced heavy metal pollution. Since lead is a heavy metal and toxic, high-damping bearings achieve the required damping through a special rubber formula, thus avoiding lead leakage during the production and recycling of lead cores. (Tin has similar physical properties to lead, but it is less toxic. Researchers have also attempted to use tin to replace lead for damping; however, the high cost of tin has prevented its widespread adoption.)
By extending the structure’s natural vibration period and increasing structural damping, seismic isolation bearings can isolate approximately 80% of seismic forces (the seismic performance of seismically isolated buildings is about 8-10 times that of traditional buildings), ensuring the building’s normal functionality as much as possible.
