An analytical model for predicting the lateral-torsion coupling property of laminated rubber bearings

Existing models for laminated rubber bearings neglect the lateral-torsion coupling property of their response behavior. Thus, in this paper, an analytical model considering the lateral-torsion coupling of laminated rubber bearings is proposed. The lateral stiffness and torsional stiffness of the bearing are determined by a three-dimensional multiple-parallel-spring model installed at the mid-height of the global analytical model. For numerical implementation, the bearing forces are found by solving the nonlinear equilibrium and kinematic equations using Newton's method, and the instantaneous stiffness matrix of the bearing is determined from the differentials of these equations. The response behavior of the model is confirmed by comparison with experimental data.