Parameter identification of hysteretic model of rubber-bearing based on sequential nonlinear least-square estimation

In order to evaluate the nonlinear performance and the possible damage to rubber-bearings (RBs) during their normal operation or under strong earthquakes, a simplified Bouc-Wen model is used to describe the nonlinear hysteretic behavior of RBs in this paper, which has the advantages of being smooth-varying and physically motivated. Further, based on the results from experimental tests performed by using a particular type of RB (GZN110) under different excitation scenarios, including white noise and several earthquakes, a new system identification method, referred to as the sequential nonlinear least-square estimation (SNLSE), is introduced to identify the model parameters. It is shown that the proposed simplified Bouc-Wen model is capable of describing the nonlinear hysteretic behavior of RBs, and that the SNLSE approach is very effective in identifying the model parameters of RBs.