Abstract: An inventive method is presented for a sliding pendulum seismic isolation system that reduces seismic forces on the supported structure and reduces the costs of the isolation bearings, seismic gaps, and supported structural frame. The inventive method is to configure the isolation system to achieve increased effective friction with increased displacement amplitudes, and to employ specific bearing configurations that suit the different types and magnitudes of loads present at particular structure support locations. Three bearing configurations are presented which are comprised of multiple sliders that slide along different concave spherical surfaces, each constituting an independent sliding pendulum mechanism having a specified pendulum length and friction.

Abstract: An inventive method is presented for a sliding pendulum seismic isolation system that reduces seismic forces on the supported structure and reduces the costs of the isolation bearings, seismic gaps, and supported structural frame. The inventive method is to configure the isolation system to achieve increased effective friction with increased displacement amplitudes, and to employ specific bearing configurations that suit the different types and magnitudes of loads present at particular structure support locations. Three bearing configurations are presented which are comprised of multiple sliders that slide along different concave spherical surfaces, each constituting an independent sliding pendulum mechanism having a specified pendulum length and friction.

Abstract: A column support for buildings is presented which protects the building from potentially damaging earthquake ground motions. In each of these column supports the weight of the building is supported by an articulated slider that may slide translationally on an underlying concave spherical surface. The pivot point of the articulated slider is substantially near to the interface of the slider and concave surface. The slider is inherently stable for all dynamic loadings, provides reliable hysteretic friction damping, and can support high loads. A highly effective support is achieved, with small amplitude pendulum motions of the support which function to absorb severe earthquakes.