Innovations in earthquake resistant structures

Innovations in earthquake resistant structures

J.Thomas Britto

Dept of civil engineering

Thomasbritto3@gmail.com

 P.R.engineering college, Thanjavur

ABSTRACT

The objective of this paper is to put forth innovations in earthquake proof structures. Different methods have been developed all around the world to reduce the effect of earthquakes on buildings for reducing the losses; some of the innovations have been discussed in this paper. The innovations that have been covered in this paper are Base isolation, Viscous damping technique and Active control system. We have presented base isolation technique in detail. Base isolation is an effective way to protect large structures from earthquake damage. It is a costly approach, as the entire structure must be supported on elastomeric or sliding bearings. Otherwise viscous dampers distributed throughout a conventional structure can achieve the same result at significantly lower cost. This paper describes how to install viscous dampers in a structure, and gives several examples. Further the paper describes fluid viscous damping, and shows how it works and how it can benefit a structure. A detailed description of a typical fluid viscous damper comes after this, followed by a comparison of base isolation and fluidic damping as ways to reduce earthquake excitation of structures.