EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT STRUCTURES

Computer Engineering electronics Engineering Civil Engineering

After the devastating earthquakes in Killari (Maharashtra) on 30th sep 1993 and in Bhuj(Gujarat) on 26th January 2001, major concern is attracted towards earthquake resistively. In a developing nation like India commonly built structures are one to three storey RCC dwellings in rural areas, whereas in rural parts adobe and stone masonry construction is still a common practice. In such a scenario proposals of costlier constructions practices like ductile RCC or steel structures can find no place in affordable housing scheme. Therefore precast construction proved remedy to change over from adobe stone masonry to concrete construction. But the major disadvantage faced by precast products is its poor performance during earthquakes. The weakness is remedied in these proposals by amalgamation of two concepts in a new technique wherein combination of pre-cast structures and base isolation strategies is introduced. Emphasis on theoretical and experimental studies of base isolated precast frames is necessary in such cases. Research work is required for feasibility , analytical and experimental studies for base iso latticed precast structure before it can be implemented following are a few research guidelines , 1) Different possible isolation systems for precast buildings can be collected and reviewed for technical merits and demerits constructability and versatility. Of particular importance is development of seismic design recommendations in codes for base isolated precast structure. 2) Seismic response evaluation of base isolated precast structural system for various seismic zones and site characteristics will be required. The aims are to carry out dynamic. Based on this appropriate simplified design rules will be generalized 3) Economic studies are required to ascertain the cost effectiveness of proposed strategy.

Earthquake engineering

Earthquake engineering is the scientific field concerned with protecting society, the natural and the man-made environment from earthquakes by limiting the seismic risk to socio-economically acceptable levels. Traditionally, it has been narrowly defined as the study of the behavior of structures and geo-structures subject to seismic loading, thus considered as a subset of both structural and geotechnical engineering. However, the tremendous costs experienced in recent earthquakes have led to an expansion of its scope to encompass disciplines from the wider field of civil engineering and from the social sciences, especially sociology, political sciences, economics and finance.The main objectives of earthquake engineering are:1.Foresee the potential consequences of strong earthquakes on urban areas and civil infrastructure.2.Design, construct and maintain structures to perform at earthquake exposure up to the expectations and in compliance with building codes.A properly engineered structure does not necessarily have to be extremely strong or expensive. It has to be properly designed to withstand the seismic effects while sustaining an acceptable level of damage.