A brand new seismic-resistant structural system developed by a research team from the University of British Columbia (UBC) may keep future high-rise buildings in Vancouver "undamaged" during major earthquakes. This new technology is led by Dr. Tony Yang, a professor of structural engineering at the Faculty of Applied Science of UBC. The research results were released online on May 13.

Source: CTV

World's First: Strong Earthquake Test for a 30-story High-rise Simulation

Yang and his team built a model reduced to one-fifth of the scale, equivalent to six stories high, simulating a typical 30-story high-rise in Vancouver. It was placed on a large earthquake simulation table at the International Joint Research Laboratory of Earthquake Engineering in Shanghai, China for testing.

This is the first time globally that such a large-scale concrete core structure model has been subjected to vibration experiments, marking a milestone.

Yang explained, "Our developed system allows buildings to absorb and dissipate seismic energy instead of rigidly resisting it, thereby reducing the pressure on the foundation, just like shock absorbers in a car."

Technical Principle: Dampers + Outriggers + Rocking Mechanisms

The structural system combines dampers, outriggers, and rocking mechanisms, providing flexible protection for buildings during an earthquake to prevent structural damage.

Demand Facing "Major Earthquakes"

Source: UBC

Yang pointed out that the team referred to the lessons from the 2011 Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand — that disaster caused 185 deaths and massive property losses.

"Vancouver is located in a very high seismic risk zone. The Cascadia fault may trigger a 9.0 magnitude strong earthquake. This is not hypothetical but a highly probable 'Big One' in the future."

Most buildings in Vancouver are currently constructed according to existing building codes, ensuring personnel safety but not the integrity of the buildings themselves. Yang warned that if a major earthquake occurs, these buildings "will suffer severe damage."

"Our new technology can not only ensure people's safety but also protect citizens' property investments — their homes."

Future Prospects: Awaiting Practical Application

Although this system has yet to be used in actual construction projects, Yang said he hopes to collaborate with the city government of Vancouver and local engineering companies in the future to apply this technology to residential and commercial projects.

Yang said, "We have proven that this technology works effectively and can be implemented in any future building project."

Source link:

  • https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/new-technology-from-ubc-will-help-vancouver-high-rises-endure-major-earthquakes/

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7505958152840528410/

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