In this study, the effects of ambient temperature on the horizontal mechanical performance of isolated rubber bearings were investigated using high-speed reciprocating loading methods. A comprehensive series of 54 experimental trials are performed on the full-scale (900 mm-diameter) isolation rubber bearings, encompassing a range of temperatures (−20 °C, 0 °C, and 23 °C), shear pressures (50%, 100%, and 250%), and frequencies (0.20 Hz, 0.25 Hz, and 0.30 Hz). Because the compression-shear tests were conducted at high velocities and pressures (specifically, vertical compressive stress of 15 MPa), the equipment used in these tests was capable of generating substantial inertial and frictional forces. Appropriate correction methodologies for the precise determination of mechanical performance metrics for bearings are presented. Then, a comprehensive investigation of the effects of various loading conditions on the characteristic strength, post-yield stiffness, horizontal equivalent stiffness, and equivalent damping ratio of LRB900 (lead-core rubber bearings 900 mm-diameter) and LNR900 (linear natural rubber bearings 900 mm-diameter) is conducted. The empirical results show a discernible relationship between these characteristics and ambient temperature as the number of loading cycles increases, except for the equivalent damping ratio. Finally, empirical fitting formulations incorporating the influence of ambient temperature are presented for each performance indicator. These formulas are intended to assist designers in performing seismic design analyses by allowing them to take into consideration the effects of ambient temperature comprehensively.

Cultural relics are precious properties of all humankind, the damage of which is nonresilient. In previous earthquakes, stored cultural relics have shown poor seismic performance, so effective seismic methods are urgently needed. However, due to various restrictions, traditional damping methods are not suitable for the cultural relics stored in the Palace Museum. An efficient damping method, composed of silicone damper and connecting elements, is proposed to protect these stored cultural relics. This novel damping device is very convenient to install and no change or move for the original structures is needed. It is suitable for various kinds of new and existing relic cabinets. In order to validate the effectiveness of this novel damping method, both numerical simulation and shaking table tests are carried out. Results show that this method can effectively enhance the seismic performance of relic cabinet itself and the internal cultural relics. Relic cabinets with damping devices deform significantly less than noncontrol cabinets while the inside relics also have less sliding or overturning. Overall, a damping method, designed for seismic protection of cabinet stored cultural relics, is proposed and its effectiveness has been successfully demonstrated.