The utility of ring springs in seismic isolation systems

Abstract

Ring springs are frictional devices consisting of inner and outer ring elements assembled to form a spring stack. External load applied to the spring produces sliding action across mating ring interfaces. Large amounts of energy, as much as 60-70% of the total cycle energy, may be absorbed in overcoming frictional forces.

This thesis details the characteristics and dynamic behaviour of ring spring systems and describes the design and testing of a seismic isolation system that uses ring springs.