Energy Absorption Capacity of the Laminated Fiber Reinforced Rubber Installed at Girder Ends

This research studied the energy absorption capacity of a laminated fiber reinforced rubber recently developed as a shock absorber as compared with that of ordinary rubbers. A collision test was conducted between 2 steel solid bars in order to assess the energy absorption and the impact force during the collision. Numerical simulations of the test results were then formulated by using the mass-spring system. It was concluded that both rubbers are effective in energy absorption during the collision; however, the laminated fiber reinforced rubber can reduce the impact force more than ordinary rubber. Further, it was found that the energy absorption can be estimated by using the mass-spring system, save for the impact force during the collision.