Experimental investigation of a low-cost elastomeric anti-seismic device using recycled rubber

The dynamic performances of a new typology of rubber isolators are discussed in this paper. The devices are denominated recycled rubber-fiber reinforced bearings (RR-FRBs). RR-FRBs are made by replacing natural rubber, commonly used for the production of structural bearings, with a recycled rubber-like material obtained by the reuse of exhausted tires and/or industrial leftovers. In RR-FRBs, steel transversal reinforcements are replaced by fiber sheets and vulcanization is avoided by using a polyurethane adhesive for bonding of the different layers. Thanks to the aforementioned characteristics, devices are extremely low-cost and lightweight if compared to traditional bearings for structural control. This paper presents an overview of theoretical models for the analysis of the compressive and shear behavior of the isolators. Moreover, the paper describes the findings of an experimental campaign conducted to assess the behavior of RR-FRBs both in compression and shear. Different reinforcement materials, geometries and configurations were tested. The study constitutes a deep assessment of the technology’s potentiality. The work underlines the possibility of using RR-FRBs for seismic risk mitigation of low-cost housing in seismic prone regions of the world.