Constructing earthquake-resistant buildings requires the use of special materials and appropriate techniques to reduce the damage that can be caused by potential earthquakes. As traditional materials evolve into innovative ones and as the expertise of the builders develops, the options expand and the outcome improves. Below, we will discuss some of the key materials and techniques that are applied to make a building earthquake-resistant.
Initially, the composition of traditional concrete can be reinforced by adding steel and fibers, creating a material resistant to compression as well as to tension and shear. The use of reinforced concrete ensures the durability and strength of the building against pressures and over time. It is commonly used in large building structures such as bridges, dams, and airports.
Another innovative construction material is Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRP), which, like before, is a composite material. The initially fibrous material is reinforced with a polymeric material, with the most common types of FRP including glass fiber and carbon fiber (GFRP and CFRP). Its use provides high strength, and flexibility, and reduces the weight of the construction, as its weight is significantly lower than that of traditional building materials. It is mainly observed in beams, columns, and bridges.
It is important to mention the techniques that have evolved and are now applied, optimizing the result. Base isolation systems in construction, for example, refer to techniques used to reduce vibrations and seismic forces that can cause damage to buildings during earthquakes and other destructive phenomena.
The main systems consist of isolation bases, isolation columns, certified bases, and welded wire fabric concrete systems (in superstructures). The reason they are used is to allow the building to move independently from the ground during an earthquake, due to the elastic materials they include, and to isolate the movement at certain points. In this way, it can even prevent the collapse of a multi-story building, which requires high elasticity during a major seismic event.
Additionally, active vibration damping systems are advanced technological systems used to control and reduce vibrations in constructions during seismic activities. These systems adjust and absorb the response of the induced vibrations.
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