Natural rubber bearing for Building Seismic Isolation

2026/11/11 11:47

At Tiantie we make the Natural rubber bearing for building seismic isolation. The bearing is a layered rubber and steel unit that sits between the structure and its foundation, absorbs shock and impact, and reduces the vibration and noise that reach the building. It is one of a family of isolators that includes lead rubber bearings, high damping rubber bearings, elastic bearings and friction pendulum systems. The natural rubber type is the base product, and it is used where a reliable, long-life isolator is needed without the added damping of a lead core.

How the Bearing Works

The bearing is processed as a whole unit, so the rubber layers and the steel plates form an integrated support structure rather than a set of loose parts. This gives a more reliable connection and helps the bearing carry vertical load while allowing controlled horizontal movement during an earthquake. The rubber provides elasticity and damping, and the layered construction keeps the unit stable under the design displacement. The bearing also absorbs shocks and impacts from machinery and equipment, which is why it can be used for vibration and noise reduction as well as for seismic isolation.

Specification Range

The standard sizes run from D400 to D1600 mm in diameter. The shear modulus G is 0.4 MPa across the range. The total height of the bearing goes from 178 mm at D400 to 501 mm at D1400 and above, and the total thickness of the rubber layer goes from 74 mm to 240 mm. The first form factor S1 is at least 15 and the second form factor S2 is at least 5. The vertical compression stiffness Kv ranges from 1300 kN/mm at D400 to 11900 kN/mm at D1600, and the horizontal equivalent stiffness Keq at 100 percent shear strain ranges from 0.68 to 3.34 kN/mm. These figures let a designer match the bearing to the load and the target period.

Features and Service Life

The integrated structure is the first feature: the unit is built as one piece, which improves stability in the structural system. The second is performance: the rubber compound is engineered for elasticity and damping under different conditions, so the bearing can isolate vibration and distribute load. The third is service life: the Natural rubber bearing is designed for durability and resistance to wear and environmental factors, which reduces replacement and maintenance over the life of the building. The bearing should still be protected from ozone, oil and excessive heat during storage and installation, because these affect the rubber.

Where It Is Used

The Natural rubber bearing is used in building isolation for residential, commercial, school, hospital and data centre projects, and it can also be applied to bridge isolation when the design calls for it. It suits structures that need a long service life and a predictable horizontal stiffness, and it can be combined with dampers where additional energy dissipation is required. The choice between a Natural rubber bearing, a lead rubber bearing and a high damping rubber bearing depends on the seismic demand, the displacement and the damping target, so the selection should be made with the structural designer.

Working With Tiantie

Zhejiang Tiantie Science & Technology Co., Ltd. supplies seismic isolators, dampers, seismic support hangers, drainage products and other seismic devices. Our range includes lead rubber bearings, high damping rubber bearings, viscous dampers, friction dampers, buckling restrained braces and tuned mass dampers. For the Natural rubber bearing, send the diameter, the vertical load, the required displacement and the project location, and our team will confirm the suitable size and the documents you need. You can reach us on 0086-576-83171283 or at info@tiantie.cn.

If you are comparing bearing types, ask for the shear modulus, the vertical stiffness, the horizontal stiffness and the form factors in writing, and compare them on the same basis. Our engineers will explain the difference between the options in plain terms and tell you when a requirement needs to be confirmed by the structural designer. We would rather settle these points before production than correct them on site.

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