Shake Table Testing of a Curved Bridge with Hybrid Isolation

Since these isolators are only used at the abutments, and monolithic or pinned connections remain at the piers, the technique is called hybrid isolation.
The objectives of this methodology are: 1) keep the column essentially elastic; 2) reduce the displacement demand of superstructure; and 3) minimize the pounding between the deck and the abutment. This technique is applicable to a wide range of bridges including those not suitable for full isolation, such as a bridge with a continuous superstructure that is monolithic with its piers. The application of hybrid isolation is suitable for both new bridges and retrofit work.
a series of shake table testings of a 2/5th, a three-span curved bridge model were conducted to investigate the response of bridges with hybrid isolation, and quantify the advantages and disadvantages of this approach in Large-Scale Structures laboratory at University of Nevada Reno.