Seismic Response Modification Devices

New ADINA Elements

SC Solutions developed and implemented the following new elements into the ADINA program:

1. Viscous Damper Element
2. Elastomeric Bearing Element
3. Friction Pendulum (FPS) Bearing Element

The implementation and testing of the response modification device elements in the ADINA program is used by Caltrans’ bridge engineers to simulate the seismic behavior of bridges with added accuracy.  These elements simulate the energy absorption characteristics of isolation devices, and the FPS element couples the lateral and vertical displacement for the spherical surface.  Friction in the viscous damper element is proportional to velocity, and in the FPS element it can be constant or variable as a function of velocity and normal force.