Abstract: A system for damping seismic motions transmitted from a foundation to an architectural structure is disclosed. During a seismic event, the seismic damping system may permit bi-directional horizontal movement of the foundation relative to the architectural structure, while simultaneously providing the architectural structure with uplift restraint. The seismic damping system may include upper and lower rail members connected to each other via a bearing assembly. Respective concave surfaces may be formed in the upper and lower rail members to define first and second rolling or sliding paths for the bearing assembly. To limit vertical movement of the architectural structure during seismic motions, the bearing assembly may incorporate uplift restraint members for engaging the upper and lower rail members. Methods of assembling and operating such seismic damping systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for damping seismic motions transmitted from a foundation to an architectural structure is disclosed. The system may include a stacked formation of elements including a washer, a sliding plate, and a damping member. The sliding plate may be fixedly connected to a base member of the architectural structure. During seismic motions, the washer may slide over the top of the sliding plate and the damping member may elastically deform. Accordingly, movement of the base member may trail movement of the foundation, and the acceleration experienced by the architectural structure may be reduced. A method of installing such a seismic damping system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for damping seismic motions transmitted from a foundation to an architectural structure is disclosed. During a seismic event, the seismic damping system may permit bi-directional horizontal movement of the foundation relative to the architectural structure, while simultaneously providing the architectural structure with uplift restraint. The seismic damping system may include upper and lower rail members connected to each other via a bearing assembly. Respective concave surfaces may be formed in the upper and lower rail members to define first and second rolling or sliding paths for the bearing assembly. To limit vertical movement of the architectural structure during seismic motions, the bearing assembly may incorporate uplift restraint members for engaging the upper and lower rail members. Methods of assembling and operating such seismic damping systems are also disclosed.