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.

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
Real Estate

Varun Malik Joins ANAROCK as MD, Head of Capital Markets, APAC

ANAROCK Capital has appointed Varun Malik as Managing Director, Head of Capital Markets (APAC), marking a strategic move to expand its presence across Asia-Pacific. Based in Singapore, Malik will drive ANAROCK’s capital markets initiatives in the region.A real estate finance veteran, Malik brings over 18 years of experience in structuring complex cross-border transactions across South-East Asia and Australia. He has led debt and equity deals for REITs, fund managers, and developers, delivering strong returns and driving investor value.“We will redefine real estate capital solutions across ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Patra Chawl lottery held, 663 families allotted homes

Mumbai's Siddharth Nagar (Patra Chawl) Co-operative Housing Society members in Goregaon (West) saw their 15-year wait come to a close as MHADA conducted a successful computerised lottery for 663 eligible members under its redevelopment scheme.The Mumbai Housing and Area Development Board conducted the draw using the RAT (Randomised Allotment of Tenement) system at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Hall. The lottery, overseen by Mr. Milind Borikar, Chief Officer of Mumbai Board, ensured transparency by digitally allotting each member a building, wing, and floor.The project, located on Plot R-9, received..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

BLR Airport crosses 41 million passengers, 500,000 MT cargo

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport), has recorded key operational milestones in FY 2024-25, crossing 41.88 million passengers and handling 502,480 metric tonnes of cargo. This marks a year-on-year passenger growth of 11.6 per cent and a 14 per cent rise in cargo volumes.Domestic footfall reached 36.05 million, up 10 per cent, while international traffic saw a robust 25 per cent jump to 5.83 million, aided by Indigo’s global expansion and added frequencies by international carriers. BLR Airport now connects to 76 domestic and 33 international destinations, with Hanoi set..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?