TITLE:
The Ultimate Anti-Seismic Design Method
AUTHORS:
Ioannis N. Lymperis
KEYWORDS:
Ultimate, Control-System, Anti-Seismic, Earthquakes, Construction, Method, Design
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Civil Engineering,
Vol.13 No.4,
December
28,
2023
ABSTRACT: The design mechanisms
and methods of the invention are intended to minimize problems related to the safety
of structures in the event of natural phenomena such as earthquakes, tornadoes,
and strong winds. It is achieved by controlling the deformations of the
structure. Damage and deformation are closely related concepts since the
control of deformations also controls the damage. The design method of applying
artificial compression to the ends of all longitudinal reinforced concrete
walls and, at the same time, connecting the ends of the walls to the ground
using ground anchors placed at the depths of the boreholes, transfers the
inertial stresses of the structure in the ground, which reacts as an external
force in the structure’s response to seismic displacements. The wall with the
artificial compression acquires dynamic, larger active cross-section and high
axial and torsional stiffness, preventing all failures caused by inelastic
deformation. By connecting the ends of all walls to the ground, we control the
eigenfrequency of the structure and the ground during each seismic loading
cycle, preventing inelastic displacements. At the same time, we ensure the
strong bearing capacity of the foundation soil and the structure. By designing
the walls correctly and placing them in proper locations, we prevent the
torsional flexural buckling that occurs in asymmetrical floor plans, and metal
and tall structures. Compression of the wall sections at the ends and their
anchoring to the ground mitigates the transfer of deformations to the
connection nodes, strengthens the wall section in terms of base shear force and
shear stress of the sections, and increases the strength of the cross-sections
to the tensile at the ends of the walls by introducing counteractive forces. The
use of tendons within the ducts prevents longitudinal shear in the overlay
concrete, while anchoring the walls to the foundation not only dissipates
inertial forces to the ground but also prevents rotation of the walls, thus
maintaining the structural integrity of the beams. The prestressing at the
bilateral ends of the walls restores the structure to its original position
even inelastic displacements by closing the opening of the developing cracks.