Seismic Isolators : Isolating the catastrophe
Technology

Seismic Isolators : Isolating the catastrophe

Though 81 percent of the strongest earthquakes on earth occur along the circum-Pacific seismic belt, which is often referred to as the "Ring of Fire." The Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt extending up to Andaman-Nicobar island region, is also known to be one of the seismically active belts of the world.

Due to a surge in development activities brought on by urbanisation, economic expansion, and the globalisation of India's economy, the risk of earthquakes has increased. After an earthquake, severe financial losses that cause the local or regional economy to collapse could have long-term negative effects on the entire nation. In the event that a megacity like Delhi or Mumbai is affected by an earthquake, this effect would be amplified even further.

All the elements of the built environment including tall buildings have to constantly remain in the shadow of tremors which can cause havoc, in such cases use of seismic isolators can reduce the intensity of damage caused by an earthquake and minimise the loss of life and property.

Seismic isolation is the process of installing isolation devices beneath a building to shield it from major earthquakes. Japan has used it to good effect. The number of seismic isolated buildings exceeds 4000. The National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo was built in 1958 by Shimizu Corporation and was originally designed by Le Corbusier, a well-known architect of the 20th century. In 1998, the seismic isolation retrofit was used to renovate this museum . The seismic isolation retrofit was first implemented in Japan at the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo.

Since the 1980s, the seismic isolation method has been studied and used in buildings. The columns and beams of the conventional earthquake-resistant design are constructed to be sturdy and adaptable enough to withstand earthquake motions. This method is used to design and construct the vast majority of buildings. When a typical building experiences a powerful earthquake, it may be able to avert collapse and save its occupants' lives. However, the building's furnishings and equipment will almost certainly fall, and the building's structural components may sustain significant damage.

Under the building, isolation devices are installed to separate the structure from earthquake motions. The building's shaking can be significantly reduced with seismic isolation. Laminate rubber bearings have made it possible to use the seismic isolation method.

In order to lessen the bearings' deformation in the event of an earthquake, the seismic isolation method requires the installation of energy-absorbing devices alongside laminated rubber bearings. Layers of rubber and steel make up a lead-rubber bearing, which has a solid lead plug in the center. The lead plug is a device for absorbing energy. Special rubbers are used in high-damping rubber bearings to significantly dampen motion and dissipate energy.

Across India the feasibility of using seismic isolators needs to be studied carefully. A lot of buildings can use this method to shield themselves from the severe impact of earthquakes. These retrofits should also be a part of the smart cities mission to make existing and upcoming cities smarter.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Though 81 percent of the strongest earthquakes on earth occur along the circum-Pacific seismic belt, which is often referred to as the Ring of Fire. The Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt extending up to Andaman-Nicobar island region, is also known to be one of the seismically active belts of the world. Due to a surge in development activities brought on by urbanisation, economic expansion, and the globalisation of India's economy, the risk of earthquakes has increased. After an earthquake, severe financial losses that cause the local or regional economy to collapse could have long-term negative effects on the entire nation. In the event that a megacity like Delhi or Mumbai is affected by an earthquake, this effect would be amplified even further. All the elements of the built environment including tall buildings have to constantly remain in the shadow of tremors which can cause havoc, in such cases use of seismic isolators can reduce the intensity of damage caused by an earthquake and minimise the loss of life and property. Seismic isolation is the process of installing isolation devices beneath a building to shield it from major earthquakes. Japan has used it to good effect. The number of seismic isolated buildings exceeds 4000. The National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo was built in 1958 by Shimizu Corporation and was originally designed by Le Corbusier, a well-known architect of the 20th century. In 1998, the seismic isolation retrofit was used to renovate this museum . The seismic isolation retrofit was first implemented in Japan at the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo. Since the 1980s, the seismic isolation method has been studied and used in buildings. The columns and beams of the conventional earthquake-resistant design are constructed to be sturdy and adaptable enough to withstand earthquake motions. This method is used to design and construct the vast majority of buildings. When a typical building experiences a powerful earthquake, it may be able to avert collapse and save its occupants' lives. However, the building's furnishings and equipment will almost certainly fall, and the building's structural components may sustain significant damage. Under the building, isolation devices are installed to separate the structure from earthquake motions. The building's shaking can be significantly reduced with seismic isolation. Laminate rubber bearings have made it possible to use the seismic isolation method. In order to lessen the bearings' deformation in the event of an earthquake, the seismic isolation method requires the installation of energy-absorbing devices alongside laminated rubber bearings. Layers of rubber and steel make up a lead-rubber bearing, which has a solid lead plug in the center. The lead plug is a device for absorbing energy. Special rubbers are used in high-damping rubber bearings to significantly dampen motion and dissipate energy. Across India the feasibility of using seismic isolators needs to be studied carefully. A lot of buildings can use this method to shield themselves from the severe impact of earthquakes. These retrofits should also be a part of the smart cities mission to make existing and upcoming cities smarter.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement