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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Seismic isolation systems with distinct multiple frequencies

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6555449
This patent describes a method for supporting a structure such that it is isolated from seismic vibratory ground motion. It comprises: supporting the structure by a horizontal upper mat; providing a lower mat vertically adjacent to the upper mat of the structure that can support the structure; creating a structure and support system that has a characteristic frequency that is outside the range of expected frequencies of seismic vibratory motion by coupling the upper and lower mats rigidly with primary isolator bearings, and altering the characteristic frequency of the structure and support system by coupling secondary isolator bearings rigidly to one of the upper or lower mats and movably to the other of the upper or lower mats to engage and disengage the secondary isolator bearing and the other mat in response to seismic vibratory motion.
Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (USA)
Patent Number(s):
US 4938633; A
Application Number:
PPN: US s 7-339457
OSTI ID:
6555449
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English