This study compares the performance of two smart isolation systems that utilize superelastic shape memory alloys (SMAs) for seismic protection of bridges using energy balance concepts. The first isolation system is a SMA/rubber-based isolation system (SRB-IS) and consists of a laminated rubber bearing that decouples the superstructure from the bridge piers and a SMA device that provides additio...

Consecutive extraction of latex and natural rubber from the roots of rubber-bearing plants such as Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS), Scorzonera tau-saghyz (STS), and Scorzonera Uzbekistanica (SU) were carried out. Latex extraction was carried via two methods: Blender method and Flow method. The results of latex extraction were compared. Cultivated rubber-bearing plants contained slightly higher latex...

This study examines the feasibility of applying adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control (AFSMC) strategies to reduce the dynamic responses of buildings constructed using a lead rubber bearing (LRB) isolation hybrid protective system. Recently developed control devices for civil engineering structures, including hybrid systems and semi-active systems, have been found to have inherent nonlinear prope...

A ‘‘smart’’ base isolation strategy is proposed and shown to effectively protect structures against extreme earthquakes without sacrificing performance during the more frequent, moderate seismic events. The proposed smart base isolation system is composed of conventional low-damping elastomeric bearings and ‘‘smart’’ controllable ~semiactive! dampers, such as magnetorheological fluid dampers. T...

This study examines the feasibility of applying adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control (AFSMC) strategies to reduce the dynamic responses of bridges constructed using a lead rubber bearing (LRB) isolation hybrid protective system. Recently developed control devices for civil engineering structures, including hybrid systems and semi-active systems, have been found to have inherent nonlinear propert...

In order to study the dynamic response of LNG storage tank under action seismic load and isolation effect lead-core rubber bearing, this paper establishes experimental model with reference structural form large-scale tank, test is obtained using a shaking table test. Simplified mechanical models non-isolated isolated tanks are proposed responses corresponding calculated Newmark-beta method. Und...

Nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) and another polymer with an excellent self-lubricating property are blended to develop a new kind of polymer used for water-lubricated stern bearings. The tribological performance of the new Polymer Blend of NBR (PBN), with the comparison of a rubber common used for most stern bearings, was studied using a stern bearing test rig of SSB-100. The results showed that...