Numerical investigation of high-damping rubber cores to enhance the damping performance of elastomeric seismic isolators

This study presents a numerical investigation into the feasibility of high-damping rubber cores as a viable alternative to lead cores in elastomeric seismic isolators. With increasing environmental and regulatory concerns over the use of lead, exploring sustainable damping solutions has become a crucial research direction. This study employs finite element analysis to investigate the effects of different high-damping rubber compositions and varying rubber core volumes on key mechanical properties, such as vertical stiffness, horizontal stiffness, and damping ratio. Unlike previous studies, this research not only examines the geometric effects of high-damping cores but also explores the impact of rubber material properties, providing a comprehensive assessment of their role in seismic isolation performance. The findings suggest that high-damping rubber cores have the potential to enhance energy dissipation while maintaining mechanical stability, offering a promising step toward the development of more sustainable seismic isolators. While further experimental validation and optimization are needed, this study lays a strong foundation for future advancements in the field, guiding the transition toward lead-free high-performance isolation systems.