Mathematical and Experimental Investigation of Vibration Isolation Characteristics in Civil Engineering Systems Using Negative Stiffness Mechanisms

This paper investigates the application of negative stiffness systems for vibration isolation in civil engineering applications, particularly focusing on pipelines, buildings, and bridges subjected to dynamic loads such as earthquakes, traffic vibrations, and wind forces. These systems, which function by counteracting external forces, have the potential to enhance the structural resilience of infrastructure. The research integrates both mathematical modeling and experimental testing to assess the vibration isolation characteristics of negative stiffness systems. The methodology follows the approach introduced by Adar et al. (2022) in his study of negative stiffness systems for vibration isolation in pipelines. Finite element analysis (FEA) is used to model the system and predict its behavior under dynamic loads, while experimental setups validate the theoretical predictions. By comparing the results from both approaches, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of negative stiffness systems in isolating vibrations across different frequency ranges, particularly where traditional vibration isolation techniques, such as mass-spring dampers or viscoelastic materials, fall short. The findings indicate that negative stiffness systems can achieve substantial vibration reduction, making them a highly viable solution for enhancing structural performance in dynamic environments. These results contribute to advancing the use of negative stiffness technologies in civil engineering, paving the way for more efficient vibration isolation systems in infrastructure that faces extreme dynamic loading conditions. The study provides insights for future research in the integration of negative stiffness in resilient infrastructure design.