DIS ISOLATOR MODELING

IN SAP2000 & ETABS

December, 2010

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 CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 2

2.0 DIS COMPONENTS ................................................................................................................ 2
2.1 Low Damping Elastomeric Bearings (LDR) ........................................................................ 2
2.2 Lead Rubber Bearings (LRB) ............................................................................................... 3
2.3 PTFE Sliding Bearings ......................................................................................................... 5
3.0 ANALYSIS METHODS .......................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Nonlinear Analysis................................................................................................................ 7
3.2 Linear Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 8
4.0 SAP2000/ETABS ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................. 8
4.1 Standard Elastomeric Bearing (LDR) ................................................................................. 11
4.2 Lead Rubber Bearings......................................................................................................... 12
4.2.1 LRB Example 1 (nonlinear analysis) ........................................................................... 14
4.2.2 LRB Example 2 (linear analysis) ................................................................................. 15
4.3 PTFE Sliding Bearings ....................................................................................................... 16
5.0 ANALYSIS REFERENCES ................................................................................................... 18
5.1 Computer and Structures..................................................................................................... 18
5.2 Design Codes and Guides ................................................................................................... 18
5.2.1 USA.............................................................................................................................. 18
5.3 Isolation and Structural Dynamics References ................................................................... 18

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 DISCLAIMER

This document serves to introduce DIS isolator modeling using the SAP2000 analysis engine. It
is not a substitute for the locally adopted design code, or SAP2000 analysis manual. Structural
modeling and design using these methods should be conducted by an experienced engineer
practiced in structural dynamics and performance based design with working knowledge of
SAP2000 software. Analysis results should be independently verified by an experienced and
qualified engineer taking responsibility for the results.

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this document is to familiarize structural engineers with analytical modeling of
DIS isolation bearing elements. Programs that will be discussed are SAP2000 (V14),
SAP2000/Bridge, and ETABS (V9), commercially available object and element based structural
analysis programs from Computers and Structures.
SAP2000 is a multi-purpose program that can be used for all structure types. SAP2000/Bridge is
a SAP2000 module used for pre-processing and post-processing to design and analyze bridge
structures. ETABS is a building specific program that uses the SAP2000 analysis engine, but is
catered to buildings and idealizes multi-story diaphragm structures. Isolator element input
methodology is identical for SAP2000, SAP2000/Bridge, and ETABS.
Three types of DIS isolation bearings will be discussed and corresponding SAP2000 modeling
input will be explained with the support of screen shots from the SAP2000 pre-processor.
Element input for both linear frequency (RSA) and time history analysis (LTHA), and for
nonlinear frequency (FNA) and time history analysis (NTHA) will be covered. Section 7
includes a list of analysis references for background information to analyze and design isolated
structures.

2.0 DIS COMPONENTS

The DIS components that will be discussed in this document are flexible bearing elements
intended to increase lateral flexibility through stiffness de-coupling, and in some cases, to
increase energy dissipation through hysteretic yielding. The components that are included are:
1) Standard elastomeric bearings (LDR), idealized as linear elastic
2) Lead rubber bearings (LRB), idealized as bi-linear hysteretic
3) PTFE sliding bearings, idealized as elasto-plastic friction hysteretic

2.1 Low Damping Elastomeric Bearings (LDR)

This is the simplest of the three bearing types that will be discussed. The standard elastomeric
bearing, also known as low damping rubber bearing (LDR), consists of vulcanized rubber and
steel shims with steel mounting plates that connect to the structure.
The LDR bearings are identical to the Lead Rubber Bearings (LRB) shown in Figure 2
(discussed in section 3.2), except they do not have an energy dissipating lead core and therefore
have significantly less hysteretic damping.

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 P P

Klinear

∆ ∆

(a) (b)
Figure 1: (a) Actual and (b) idealized force-displacement hysteresis of linear LDR bearing.

Figure 1 shows actual (Figure 1-a), and idealized (Figure 1-b) lateral load-displacement curves
for LDR bearings. Due to the natural softening of rubber as strain is increased, LDR bearings
exhibit some hysteretic damping, typically in the equivalent viscous damping (EVD) range of 5-
10 percent. Since nonlinearity of LDR bearings is low, they are typically idealized as linear
elastic (Figure 1-b). The stiffness Klinear is equivalent to the yielded stiffness, Kd, of lead rubber
bearings discussed in section 2.2. LDR bearing vertical stiffness, Kv, is also similar to that
discussed in section 2.2. A damping value ζlinear of 5 percent can typically be assumed.

2.2 Lead Rubber Bearings (LRB)

A typical DIS lead rubber bearing (LRB) consists of vulcanized rubber and steel shims with steel
mounting plates that connect to the structure. LRB contain one or more lead plugs at the core to
of the bearing to produce hysteretic damping (Figure 2).

(a) (b)
Figure 2: (a) Diagram and (b) photograph of installed DIS lead rubber bearings.

Figure 3 shows the idealized force-displacement backbone curve (Figure 3-a), and full hysteresis
loop (Figure 3-b) for DIS LRB. Plastic shearing of the lead core, combined with flexibility of
the rubber, leads to stable bi-linear hysteretic loops capable of dissipating a significant amount of
hysteretic damping.

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 P
P
Kd
Fy Qd
Kd
Qd
Ke Ke

Keff ∆
Ke

Kd

∆
Dy D
(a) (b)
Figure 3: (a) Force-displacement backbone curve and (b) complete hysteresis loop of idealized
LRB bi-linear behavior.

The properties of bearings based on a given geometry are defined by DIS using the following
variables that can be referenced at http://www.dis-inc.com/engineering.html:
Qd = Characteristic strength (Location where Kd crosses force axis)
Ke = Post-yield stiffness of bearing
Kd = Elastic pre-yield stiffness of bearing. For design, typically taken as 10*Ke
Kv = Vertical (compression) stiffness of bearing
ζv = Vertical damping of bearing (typically taken as 5 to 10 percent)
Other variables and relations useful to define hysteresis relationships for the LRB analysis are:
Dy = Yield displacement of bearing
Fy = Yield force of bearing

Qd
Dy = (Equation 1)
Ke − Kd
Fy = K e * D y (Equation 2)

For linear analysis it is necessary to define the LRB using effective stiffness (secant stiffness)
and effective damping. Effective properties for linear analysis must be iterated with the
displacement demand from linear analysis of the system. The variables and equations for this
calculation are the following:
Keff = Effective bearing stiffness (secant stiffness)
ζeff = Effective bearing damping. Newer versions of software require input of “C value.”
D = Displacement demand from the system analysis
Q
K eff = K d + d (Equation 3)
D

ζ eff =
(
4Qd * D − D y )
(Equation 4)
2π * K eff * D 2

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2.3 PTFE Sliding Bearings
Sliders support vertical loads and have low lateral resistance. They are often used in conjunction
with standard lead-rubber bearings to optimize a system, or to protect lighter parts of a structure
such as stairs or lightly loaded columns.
DIS PTFE sliding bearings consist of a Teflon-stainless steel sliding system and are typically
added to a standard lead rubber bearing (Figure 4). The rubber bearing (elastomeric backing) is
used to accommodate rotations in the structure to avoid undesirable pressure distributions on the
PTFE surface. Lead is often included in the core to dissipate unwanted vibration of the isolator.

Figure 4: (a) Diagram and (b) photograph of DIS PTFE lead rubber bearings.

Figure 5 shows the idealized lateral force-displacement backbone curve (Figure 5-a), and full
hysteresis loop (Figure 5-b) for a typical DIS sliding bearing. The initial stiffness of shown in
Figure 5-a horizontal displacement prior to slip which is due to the linear stiffness of the bearing.
In cases where the sliding bearing does not contain elastomeric backing the initial stiffness is
very large and essentially rigid. When the friction force is overcome, the isolator slides and
experiences plastic shearing action, which leads to stable elasto-plastic hysteretic loops (Figure
5-b)
P
P
µ*N
µ*N
Ke

∆
Keff
Ke
Ke

∆
Dy D
Figure 5: (a) Force-displacement backbone curve and (b) complete hysteresis loop of idealized
PTFE-LRB elasto-plastic behavior

As shown in Figure 5, the bearing lateral yield (sliding) force is equal to the normal force, N,
multiplied by the coefficient of friction, µ. The friction coefficient for a PTFE surface is
dependant on velocity. Equation 5 describes the empirically derived relationship between

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minimum friction coefficient (µmax), maximum friction coefficient, (µmin), rate parameter (a), and
velocity (v). The values are dependant on the sliding surface and pressures, but typical values
are µmax = 0.1, µmin = 0.04 and a = 1. Figure 6 shows the friction coefficient vs. velocity curve
for these typical values.
µ = µ max − (µ max − µ min )e − av (Equation 5)
Velocity (mm/second)
0 12.7 25.4 38.1 50.8 63.5 76.2 88.9 101.6
0.12

0.1
Friction Coefficient ( µ )

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4
Velocity (inch/second)

Figure 6: DIS PTFE typical friction coefficient vs. velocity curve.

Other variables useful to define relationships for the hysteresis curve for analysis of PTFE
isolation bearings are:
Ke = Initial stiffness of sliding bearing due to elastomeric backing. Value is equal to
Ke from LRB properties discussed in section 2.2.
Kv = Vertical stiffness of bearing

For linear analysis it is necessary to define the sliding bearing using effective stiffness and
effective damping. Effective properties for linear analysis must be iterated with the displacement
demand from linear analysis of the system. The variables and equations for this calculation are
the following:
Keff = Effective bearing stiffness (secant stiffness)
ζeff = Effective bearing damping (if Kinitial = rigid, then ζeff = 2/π)
D = Displacement demand from system analysis
µ max * N
K eff = (Equation 6)
D
2 µ max * N
ζ eff = − (Equation 7)
π π * D * K initial

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3.0 ANALYSIS METHODS
Isolation bearings produce a nonlinear effect by decoupling stiffness between structural
elements, or at supports. Through hysteretic yielding, isolators can provide additional damping.
Performance of an isolated structure can be evaluated using either linear or nonlinear seismic
analysis.
For nonlinear analysis, the full force-displacement relationship is modeled (Figure 7). However,
for linear analysis, since the isolated structure is a nonlinear system and linear analysis is limited
to linear elements, the elements must be idealized to account for both the reduction in stiffness
and increase in damping. Therefore, for linear analysis, the secant stiffness (Keff) and effective
damping (ζeff) must be determined. Newer versions of software require input of “C value.”

P
Nonlinear analysis

Linear analysis
using secant stiffness
(need Keff, and ζeff)
Keff

∆
Figure 7: Typical element force-displacement response for nonlinear and linear analysis.

3.1 Nonlinear Analysis

Nonlinear seismic analysis of an isolated structure includes both nonlinear time history analysis
(NTHA), and nonlinear model time history analysis (FNA). This type of analysis typically
requires analyzing a suite of time history motions that are spectrally matched to the design
spectrum of the site.
NTHA is the most thorough of the analysis methods. It is also the most commonly used method
of nonlinear analysis. Isolation elements are modeled using the full hysteretic relationships
shown in Figures 3 and 5 and the structural response is integrated through time steps. Since the
damping and stiffness for given displacement are implied by the curves, NTHA will produce the
exact solution and iteration using calculated damping and secant stiffness is not necessary.
FNA is another nonlinear method that that includes the full hysteretic element relationships.
However, rather than direct integration through the time domain, FNA, is based on modal
superposition with time step. This method is generally very efficient compared to NTHA,
however, it does not consider full damping that couples the modes, is less efficient than NTHA
when impact occurs, and only limited nonlinear elements (link elements only) can be used.
It should be noted that when analyzing a system using nonlinear analysis, the standard modal
analysis is based on the linear properties that are input for a given element. These linear
properties are discussed in Section 3.2.

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3.2 Linear Analysis
Linear seismic analysis of an isolated structure includes response spectrum analysis (RSA), and
Linear Time-History Analysis (LTHA). RSA requires a design acceleration response spectrum,
while LTHA requires analyzing a suite of time history motions that are spectrally matched to the
design spectrum of the site
For the nonlinear analysis discussed in 3.1, the nonlinearity and damping of isolators is implied
by the force-displacement curve. For linear analysis, the isolator elements must be modeled with
an equivalent linear element (Figure 7). The effective stiffness, Keff, and effective damping, ζeff,
define the linear element that represents nonlinear response. [Newer versions of software require
input of “C value.”] Effective properties are a function of the isolator force-displacement curve
and the displacement demand.
Displacement demand must be iterated by performing multiple linear analyses and iterating
displacement demand with Keff and ζeff, as discussed in Section 2 and shown in Equations 3, 4, 6,
and 7.

4.0 SAP2000/ETABS ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION

The analysis process of DIS isolation bearings will be discussed assuming the user is familiar
with SAP2000, or ETABS, and has created an analysis model of the structure. Isolator input
properties should be calculated using the DIS design parameters located online at www.dis-
inc.com/engineering.html, and the equations listed in Section 2 of this document. Figure 8 and 9
show flow charts of the general process used to analyze isolated structures with SAP2000.
Figure 8 is for a structure isolated only by standard elastomeric (LDR) bearings. Since LDR
bearings behave linearly, the analysis process with LDR is identical for both nonlinear and linear
analysis, and no iteration is required.

Start: Begin with structural model having Verify Coordinate System: VIEW >
unconnected nodes at the top and bottom SET DISPLAY OPTIONS > LINKS >
of each isolator location. (Figure 10) LOCAL AXIS (Figure 11)

Run and check Dead Load and

Input linear bearing properties: Define one
Modal analysis: Verify load path
link element property for each type of bearing
DEFINE >SECTION PROPERTIES > and for correct connectivity
LINK/SUPPORT PROPERTIES (Section 4.1)
Run analysis
Assign bearing elements: Assign link elements
between nodes that represent isolator top and Done: Check results independently using
bottom. DRAW > DRAW 2 JOINT LINKS rational engineering methods

Figure 8: Flow chart for SAP2000/ETABS analysis of DIS Elastomeric Bearings (LDR)
Figure 9 shows the analysis process for systems with LRB, PTFE, or any combination of LDR,
LRB, and PTFE bearings. Note that the link elements in SAP2000/ETABS have both linear and

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nonlinear input parameters. The nonlinear input is only used for nonlinear analysis, in which
case the linear parameters are not used. The linear parameters are used for linear analysis
including modal analysis and linear response spectrum analysis (RSA).
As shown in the figure and described in Section 3.2, the process will require iteration of linear
isolator properties analysis is performed with linear methods (RSA or LTHA). It should be
noted that for complicated systems with many isolators it can be impractical to iterate effective
isolator properties using linear methods. In this case, it is prudent to either lump the isolator
properties into an idealized system, or to perform nonlinear time history analysis.

Start: Begin with structural model having unconnected nodes at the

top and bottom of each isolator location. (Figure 10)

Input linear and nonlinear bearing properties:

Define one link element property for each type of bearing. Note if only linear or nonlinear analysis is to
be performed than only respective linear or nonlinear properties are used by the program. Initially,
calculate linear properties, Keff and ζeff, based on anticipated displacement demand or pre-yield stiffness
DEFINE>SECTION PROPERTIES > LINK/SUPPORT PROPERTIES
(Section 4.1)

Assign bearing elements: Assign link elements between nodes that

represent isolator top and bottom. DRAW > DRAW 2 JOINT LINKS

Verify Coordinate System: VIEW > SET DISPLAY OPTIONS >

LINKS > LOCAL AXIS (Figure 11)

Run and check Dead Load and Modal analysis: Verify load path and
for correct connectivity

Linear Analysis Run analysis Nonlinear Analysis

(RSA, LTHA) (NTHA, FNA)

Check Displacement Demand on Bearings: Are

displacements close to assumption used to calculate Run analysis
Keff and ζeff?
Done: Check results
YES NO independently using rational
engineering methods
Done: Check results Re-Analyze: Calculate new Keff and
independently using rational ζeff based on previous SAP2000 or
engineering methods ETABS displacement demands

Figure 9: Flow chart for SAP2000/ETABS analysis of DIS Lead Rubber Bearings (LRB), PTFE
Bearings, or any combination of LDR, LRB, and PTFE bearings.

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 Anticipated location
of isolator element

Figure 10: Example diagram of unconnected nodes at location of anticipated isolator. Note that
for buildings with slab or planar frame above isolated level, an ETABS floor diaphragm, or
SAP2000 nodal diaphragm constraint should be modeled at the top nodes.

VIEW > SET DISPLAY OPTIONS > LINKS > LOCAL AXIS

(a) (b)
Figure 11: (a) Display option selection box, and (b) example diagram of link element lebel and
local axis. Note that the local axes are displayed as 1 = red, 2 = white, and 3 = blue.

Isolators are modeled in SAP2000 and ETABS using link elements. The following sections will
describe which link element to use for each type of DIS element, and how to calculate the input
parameters. Note that the bearing properties are defined in local axes. Axis 1 should be in the
axial (normal) direction of bearings. Axes 2 and 3 should be in the orthogonal lateral axes of the
bearing. For detailed explanation of the link elements, and their implementation in SAP2000 and
ETABS refer to the SAP2000/ETABS, SAFE Computers and Structures Analysis Reference
Manual listed in Section 5.

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4.1 Standard Elastomeric Bearing (LDR)
Standard elastomeric bearings (LDR) are defined in SAP2000/ETABS using the “Rubber
Isolator” link element and the variables described in Section 2.1. Note that for ETABS this link
element is called “Isolator 1”.

Kv
ζv

(a) (b)

Klinear Klinear
ζlinear ζlinear

Based on Based on
geometry geometry

(c) (d)
Figure 12: (a) Input tab for LDR bearing using the Rubber Isolator element, (b) Properties for
direction 1 (vertical), (c) direction 2 (horiz. 2), and (d) direction 3 (horiz. 3) directions.
Input dialogue for a Rubber Isolator element using an LDR bearing is shown in Figure 12. All
values in the initial window can be left as default as shown in Figure 12-a. Directions U1
(vertical), U2 (horizontal 2), and U3 (horizontal 3) should be checked in the direction box, and

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properties are defined with the button under the properties tab. The nonlinear boxes should
remain unchecked since LDR bearings do not exhibit nonlinear behavior.
Figures 12-b, 12-c, and 12-d show input windows for the vertical and orthogonal lateral
directions, respectively. Input data for a symmetric LDR bearing should be identical for both
lateral directions (Figures 12-c 12-d)

4.2 Lead Rubber Bearings

Similar to the standard elastomeric bearings discussed in section 4.1, Lead Rubber Bearings
(LRB) are defined in SAP2000/ETABS using the “Rubber Isolator” link element (“Isolator 1” in
ETABS). However, the LDR bearings did not include the “Rubber Isolator” element capability
of nonlinear response (Figure 12-a). As discussed in section 2.2, the LRB exhibit nonlinear
behavior and therefore must be modeled using the nonlinear or effective properties discussed in
section 2.2. Figure 13 illustrates the configuration of the “Rubber Isolator” link element. For
linear analysis, the element responds based on effective properties.

Figure 13: Diagram of SAP2000 “Rubber Isolator” link element (from SAP2000/ETABS
reference manual).
Input dialogue for a Rubber Isolator element using an LRB is shown in Figure 14. Directions U1
(vertical), U2 (horizontal 2), and U3 (horizontal 3) should be checked in the direction box, and
properties are defined with the button under the properties tab (Figure 14-a). The nonlinear
boxes for U2 and U3 should also be checked since LRB exhibit nonlinear behavior.
Figures 14-b, 14-c, and 14-d show input windows for the vertical and orthogonal lateral
directions, respectively. Nonlinear input data (Ke, Fy, and Kd) for a symmetric LRB should be
identical for both lateral directions (Figures 14-c 14-d). However, if performing linear analysis
(LTHA or RSA), the iterated lateral input data for effective stiffness, Keff, and effective damping,
ζeff, will likely be different for each direction (Keff 2 ≠ Keff 3), and (ζeff 2 ≠ ζeff 3) based on the
lateral displacement demand in each direction being different (D2 ≠ D3).

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 Kv
ζv

(a) (b)

Keff 2 Keff 3
ζeff 2 ζeff 3

Based on Based on
geometry geometry
Ke Ke
Fy Fy
Kd/Ke Kd/Ke

(c) (d)
Figure 14: (a) Input tab for LDR bearing using the Rubber Isolator element, properties for (b)
direction 1 (vertical), (c) direction 2 (horiz 2), and (d) direction 3 (horiz 3).

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The following examples are for a single lead rubber bearing as modeled using the flow chart
shown in Figure 9. Section 4.2.1 is a sample input for nonlinear analysis (NTHA, FNA).
Section 4.2.2 is sample input for linear analysis (RSA, LTHA). For a system with multiple
bearings, these properties would need to be defined for each bearing type prior to running the
analysis.

4.2.1 LRB Example 1 (nonlinear analysis)

Assume that an 800mm diameter bearing with the following properties is to be modeled with
nonlinear analysis (nonlinear time-history analysis, NTHA):
Note that the DIS engineering properties sheet (www.dis-inc.com/engineering.html) shows range
of parameters for each isolator size. For this example it will be assumed that an isolator will be
constructed with the maximum possible yield stiffness and characteristic strength:
From engineering properties sheet for 800mm diameter isolator:
Yielded stiffness, Kd = 5.3 kN/mm
Characteristic strength, Qd = 265 kN
Compression stiffness, Kv = 1000 kN/mm
Maximum Displacement, Dmax = 510 mm
Axial Capacity, Pmax = 4000kN
Compression Damping, ζv = 0.05 (typical value for LRB)
Ke = Elastic stiffness = 10*Kd = 53kN/mm

 Calculate additional nonlinear properties based on Section 2.2.

K e * Qd 53kN / mm * 265kN
Using Equation 2: F y = = = 294.4kN
K e − K d 53kN / mm − 0.53kN / mm

Kd / Ke = 0.1
 The following values should be entered into bearing properties shown in Figure 14:
Kv=1000kN/mm; ζv = 0.05; Ke = 53kN/mm; Fy = 294.4kN; Kd/Ke = 0.1
 Since this is nonlinear analysis, the linear effective properties in Figures 14-c and 14-d
will not be used. However, linear modal analysis, the pre-yield properties could be
used, a design displacement could be assumed, or the actual displacement could be
used to calculate linear effective properties. Effective property calculation using
actual displacement is demonstrated in Section 4.2.2.

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4.2.2 LRB Example 2 (linear analysis)
Assume that an 800mm diameter bearing with the following properties is to be modeled with
linear analysis (linear response spectrum analysis, RSA):
Note that the DIS engineering properties sheet (www.dis-inc.com/engineering.html) shows range
of parameters for each isolator size. For this example it will be assumed that an isolator will be
constructed with the maximum possible yield stiffness and characteristic strength:
Use engineering properties sheet for 800mm diameter isolator fro previous page:
 Calculate initial effective properties assuming a design displacement of 200mm for
both horizontal directions (D2=200mm, D3=200mm).
Qd 265
Using Equation 1: D y = = = 5.56mm
K e − K d 53 − 5.3

Using Equation 2: Fy = K e * D y = 53 * 5.56 = 294.4kN

Qd
Using Equation 3: K eff = K d + Keff2 = Keff3 = 5.3+265/200 = 6.63 kN/mm
D
(
4Qd * D − D y )
Using Equation 4: ζ eff =
2π * K eff * D 2

ζeff2 = ζeff3 = 4*265*(200-5.56)/(2π*6.63*2002) = 0.124

 The following values should be entered into bearing properties shown in Figure 14:
Kv=1000kN/mm; ζv = 0.05; Keff2 = 6.63kN/mm; Keff3 = 6.63kN/mm; ζeff2 = 0.124,
ζeff3 = 0.124. Newer versions of software require input of “C value.”
(Since this is linear analysis, the nonlinear properties in Figures 14-c and 14-d
will not be used.)
 Run analysis. From analysis, lateral displacement demands on bearing are:
D2=240mm, and D3=300mm. Calculated displacements do not equal original
displacements of D2=200mm, and D3=200mm
 Iterate effective stiffness values with calculated displacement demands:
Keff2 = 5.3+265/240 = 6.40 kN/mm
Keff3 = 5.3+265/300 = 6.18 kN/mm
ζeff2 = 4*265*(240-5.56)/(2π*6.40*2402) = 0.107
ζeff3 = 4*265*(300-5.56)/(2π*6.18*3002) = 0.089
The following values in bearing properties as shown in Figure 14: Kv=1000kN/mm;
ζv = 0.05; Keff2 = 6.40kN/mm; Keff3 = 6.18kN/mm; ζeff2 = 0.107, ζeff3 = 0.089
 Run analysis. From analysis, lateral displacement demands on bearing are:
D2=242mm, and D3=298mm. Calculated displacements are close enough to
previously iterated displacements of D2=240mm, and D3=300mm and therefore
analysis results are accurate.

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4.3 PTFE Sliding Bearings
PTFE bearings are defined in SAP2000/ETABS using the “Friction Pendulum Isolator” link
element. Note that for ETABS this link element is called “Isolator 2”. This nonlinear element
must be modeled using the nonlinear or effective properties discussed in section 2.3. Figure 15
illustrates the configuration of the “Friction Pendulum Isolator” link element. For nonlinear
analysis, the element is composed of biaxially coupled lateral friction bearing elements in series
with elastic springs, and in parallel with a concave sliding surface (not used for flat PTFE). The
vertical degree of freedom imparts normal force and corresponding friction that can be variable
throughout the analysis. For linear analysis, the element responds based on effective properties.

Figure 15: Diagram of SAP2000 “Friction Pendulum Isolator” link element (from
SAP2000/ETABS reference manual).
Input dialogue for a Friction Pendulum element using a PTFE bearing is shown in Figure 16.
Directions U1 (vertical), U2 (horizontal 2), and U3 (horizontal 3) should be checked in the
direction box, and properties are defined with the button under the properties tab (Figure 14-a).
The nonlinear boxes for U1, U2, and U3 should also be checked since PTFE sliders exhibit
nonlinear behavior.
Figures 16-b, 16-c, and 16-d show input windows for the vertical and orthogonal lateral
directions, respectively. Nonlinear input data (Ke, µmin, µmax and a) for a symmetric PTFE
bearing should be identical for both lateral directions (Figures 16-c 16-d). Ke is equal to the
elastic stiffness of the elastomeric backing. If elastomeric backing is not present, than Ke will be
rigid (relatively large number). Radius of sliding surface should also be input as a large number
(10000) to represent a flat PTFE surface.
If performing linear analysis (LTHA or RSA), the iterated lateral input data for effective
stiffness, Keff, and effective damping, ζeff, will likely be different for each direction (Keff 2 ≠ Keff
3), and (ζeff 2 ≠ ζeff 3) based on the lateral displacement demand in each direction being different
(D2 ≠ D3). Newer versions of software require input of “C value.”

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 Kv
ζv

Kv
ζv

(a) (b)

Keff 2 Keff 3
ζeff 2 ζeff 3

Based on Based on
geometry geometry
Ke Ke
µmin µmin
µmax µmax
a a

(c) (d)
Figure 16: (a) Input tab for PTFE bearing using the Friction Pendulum Isolator element,
properties for (b) direction 1 (vertical), (c) direction 2 (horiz 2), and (d) direction 3 (horiz 3).

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5.0 ANALYSIS REFERENCES
Following are references that are relevant to the analysis of structures with DIS isolators:

5.1 Computer and Structures

CSI Analysis Reference Manual for SAP2000, ETABS, and SAFE, Computers and
Structures, (2009), Berkeley, CA, USA
SAP2000 User’s Manual, Computers and Structures, (2009), Berkeley, CA, USA
ETABS User’s Guide & Introductory Manual, Computers and Structures, (2008), Berkeley,
CA, USA

5.2 Design Codes and Guides

5.2.1 USA
AASHTO Guide Specifications for Seismic Isolation Design, 3rd Edition, American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), (2010), Washington
D.C., USA
ASCE/SEI 7-10 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, American
Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), (2010), Reston, VA, USA

5.3 Isolation and Structural Dynamics References

Design of Seismic Isolated Structures from Theory to Practice, F. Naeim and J. Kelly, Wiley
and Sons, (1999), New York, NY, USA
Dynamics of Structures, 3rd edition, R. Clough and J. Penzien, Computers and Structures,
(2003), Berkeley, CA, USA
Static and Dynamic Analysis of Structures, E. Wilson, Computers and Structures, (2003),
Berkeley, CA, USA

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