Earthquake-resistant foundation protection system

Abstract

The invention particularly relates to a movable foundation protection system that provides freedom of movement in the foundation area of the building structure close to the ground to dampen the vibrations and oscillations caused by the kinetic energy generated by the earthquake, and thus prevents the transmission of vibration and sway movements to the building structure, protects the structure from the destructive effects of the earthquake and reduces the negative effects of the earthquake.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT FOUNDATION PROTECTION SYSTEM

[0003] Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a movable foundation protection system that dampens vibrations and oscillations in the foundation's base region and prevents the structure from being affected by earthquakes.

[0005] The invention particularly relates to a movable foundation protection system that provides freedom of movement in the foundation area of the building structure close to the ground to dampen the vibrations and oscillations caused by the kinetic energy generated by the earthquake, and thus prevents the transmission of vibration and sway movements to the building structure, protects the structure from the destructive effects of the earthquake and reduces the negative effects of the earthquake.

[0006] State of the Art

[0007] As a result of natural disasters that are difficult or impossible to prevent, destructions often occur that result in loss of life and property. Although many natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, floods, storms, avalanches, tornadoes and forest fires can be predicted with today's technology, it is very difficult to prevent the destruction that occurs during these disasters. The largest of these destructions are caused by earthquakes, also known as tremors, seismic events, or seismic disturbances, which occur when sudden vibrations caused by fractures within the Earth's crust spread in waves, shaking the Earth's surface. These seismic tremors cause great damage to construction structures on the ground, especially multi-storey buildings, and cause the collapse of the structure, leading to injuries and even deaths of living creatures within the structure. In this sense, the biggest cause of loss of life and property is not the earthquake itself, but the structural damage caused by tremors occurring under the earth's crust shaking the part of the building above the earth's crust.

[0008] In the foundation installation that connects buildings constructed today to the ground, a raft foundation slab is generally used. The raft foundation system, also known as a general raft foundation, is defined as the transfer of the load on it to the ground (soil) by distributing it evenly. This basic type is used in all types of floors, especially multi-story floors and floors with heavy loads. The area where the building will be erected is being levelled for the raft foundation, andstones are being laid to prevent the concrete from being poured directly onto the soil. After the stone pouring process, lean concrete is poured and after this process, waterproofing processes are applied and the iron laying process suitable for the raft foundation is completed. After installing the iron bars, the rebar for the upper floors of the structure is laid and ready-mix concrete is poured, completing the raft foundation installation process. This foundation type, preferred for use on ground with earthquake, landslide, or collapse risks, generally ensures the reinforcement of the connection between the building and the ground. The biggest advantage of these foundations, which come in different types such as beamed, beamless, mushroom and inverted raft foundations, is that they can improve bad, weak soils and enable the construction of building structures in these areas. At the same time, it reduces ground movement to a limited extent as it enables the structure to be built on a flat surface. However, due to the use of high strength concrete reinforcement additive products and varieties in raft foundations, its cost is quite high compared to other foundation types and at the same time, since it creates a fixed (rigid) base and restricts the movements of the ground, even small movements in the building structure can damage the concrete and reinforcement in the foundation. Although partial flexibility is provided by iron rods, the transformation of the foundation into a monolithic and rigid form with the concrete coating causes the tremors that occur during an earthquake to be transmitted from the ground to the top floors of the building, and this causes the destructive effect of the seismic tremors on the building to increase.

[0009] Another installation technique used to increase the strength of buildings and thus reduce the destructive effects of earthquakes is the pendulum-shaped structural systems, especially applied in the construction of high-rise buildings and towers. Said pendulum system moves in the opposite direction of the structure's movement during an earthquake, creating a counter-force and balancing the structure's shaking. However, this pendulum system requires a deep shaft in the middle of the building structure and requires constant maintenance. In addition, it is not suitable for use in buildings such as residences and business centers, and it is insufficient to prevent damage to the building structure by not providing compensation, especially in high-acceleration and short-distance tremors.

[0010] In a patent document numbered TR2016 / 17611, which is in the state of the art, an earthquake performance improvement system is described that enables the placement of lead extrusion dampers (LED) in the non-moment transferring joint areas of precast reinforced concrete systems. The proposed system aims to increase the seismic performance and safety of the joint areas and therefore the structure. Said document does not mention a solution that provides freedom of movement in the foundation of the structure, thereby dampening the vibrations and shakingcaused by earthquakes in the foundation area and thus preventing the transmission of vibrations and shaking movements to the structure.

[0011] The patent document numbered CN1062396A, which belongs to the state of the art, describes another system used to reduce the effects of earthquake forces on buildings. In said system, based on the earthquake acceleration record, the load on the building's foundation and the geological condition beneath the foundation, a neoprene damping layer is developed to ensure that the building does not vibrate at all or only slightly vibrates. This damping layer is placed between the upper and lower surfaces of the foundation, creating a vibration-isolating composite foundation. Vibration isolation layers can be used in strips, pieces, boxes, or individual foundations. Said document does not mention a solution that provides freedom of movement in the foundation of the structure, thereby dampening the vibrations and shaking caused by earthquakes in the foundation area and thus preventing the transmission of vibrations and shaking movements to the structure.

[0012] As a result, there is a need to develop a movable foundation protection system that prevents the transmission of earthquake-induced vibrations and tremors from the soil to the building structure, provides freedom of movement in the foundation area of the structure regardless of the flexibility of the materials used in the structure, prevents both the foundation and the upper floors of the structure from being affected by seismic tremors by absorbing the kinetic energy of the earthquake in the foundation area, and protects the structure from the destructive effects of the earthquake.

[0013] Object of the Invention

[0014] The present invention relates to a movable foundation protection system which fulfils the abovementioned requirements, eliminates all disadvantages and brings some additional advantages.

[0015] The main object of the movable foundation protection system, which is the subject of the present invention, is to obtain a movable foundation protection system that prevents the vibrations and tremors caused by the earthquake from being transmitted from the soil ground to the building structure by ensuring freedom of movement in the foundation area of the structure, regardless of the flexibility of the materials used in the structure.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to obtain a movable foundation protection system that prevents both the foundation of the building and the upper floors of the building from beingaffected by seismic shocks by absorbing the kinetic energy of the earthquake in the foundation area of the building structure and protects the entire structure from the destructive effects of the earthquake.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to obtain an effective movable foundation protection system that prevents the building structure from being affected by low-frequency and wide-range vibrations, while protecting the same from the negative effects of high-frequency and narrowrange vibrations and minimizing damage.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to obtain a movable foundation protection system that prevents the transmission of oscillations parallel to the ground surface, perpendicular and angled to the building structure, thus protecting the living beings inside the structure from the effects of tremors and minimizing the feeling of tremors.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to obtain a functional mobile foundation protection system that can be applied to any type of building structure foundation, regardless of the types of materials used in the installation of the building structure.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to obtain an efficient movable foundation protection system that reduces the need for maintenance, repair and part replacement after installation and reduces costs.

[0021] An alternative object of the present invention is to obtain a movable foundation protection system that provides earthquake protection suitable for use on different types of ground without the need for any work on the ground.

[0022] The movable foundation protection system, developed with the present invention to achieve the above object in the most general way, provides freedom of movement in the foundation area of the building, regardless of the type of material used in the building structure containing at least one column, thus ensuring that the kinetic energy of the earthquake is absorbed in the foundation area of the building, preventing the transmission of vibrations and tremors to the building structure and protecting the entire structure, comprising at least one first movement element comprising a plurality of first balls, which ensures that the position of the column remains fixed on the oscillating earth's crust and prevents the transfer of the resulting kinetic energy to the column; at least one second movement element comprising a plurality of second balls, which ensures that the position of the first movement element is maintained on the oscillating earth's crust and that the resultingkinetic energy effect is reduced; at least one damping element that dampens shock and vibrations and reduces their transmission from the second movement element to the first element.

[0023] The structural and characteristic features of the present invention will be understood clearly by the following drawings and the detailed description made with reference to these drawings and therefore the evaluation shall be made by taking these figures and the detailed description into consideration.

[0024] Figures Clarifying the Invention

[0025] In order to understand the advantages of the present invention with its structure and additional elements, it shall be evaluated with the following defined figures.

[0026] Figure - 1 : Sectional view of the movable foundation protection system which is the subject of the present invention.

[0027] Figure - 2: Other sectional view of the movable foundation protection system which is the subject of the present invention.

[0028] Part References

[0029] 1. First movement element

[0030] 1a. First ball

[0031] 2. Second movement element

[0032] 2a. Second ball

[0033] 3. Damping element

[0034] 4. Third movement element

[0035] 4a. Third ball

[0036] 5. Stop element

[0037] 6. Support element

[0038] 7. Protection element

[0039] K. Column

[0040] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0041] In this detailed description, the preferred embodiments of the movable foundation protection system of the present invention are described only for clarifying the subject matter in a manner such that no limiting effect is created.Movable foundation protection system, which is developed with the present invention, provides freedom of movement in the foundation area of the building regardless of the type of material used in the building structure, which ensures that the building structure is carried on the ground and comprises at least one column (K) extending perpendicular to the ground, thus ensuring that the kinetic energy of the earthquake is absorbed in the foundation area of the building structure, preventing the vibrations and tremors caused by the earthquake from being transmitted from the earth's crust to the building structure and protecting the entire building from the effects of the earthquake, as shown in Figure 1; comprising a first movement element (1), which at its center, comprises at least one first cavity suitable for accommodating the end of the column (K) near the ground, positioned on the surface near the ground and preferably made of metal and / or steel material with a high hardness value, providing 360-degree free rotation and movement freedom, comprising a spherical first ball (1a), which ensures the column (K) is carried, protected from physical effects by surrounding the column (K), and that the position of the column (K) remains fixed on the earth's crust, which is shaken by the earthquake / shock effect, by the free rotation of the first balls (1a) and that prevents the transfer of the resulting kinetic energy to the column (K), preferably made of concrete and / or polymer material, preferably in the form of a closed cylinder with a surface close to the ground; the second movement element (2), which comprises at least one second cavity in the center, with a structure suitable for the placement of the first movement element (1) and whose cross-sectional area parallel to the ground is greater than the cross-sectional area of the first movement element (1) and is located on its surface close to the ground and preferably made of metal and / or steel with a high hardness value, and which provides freedom of movement by rotating 360 degrees freely, and which comprises a plurality of second balls (2a) in a spherical form, which ensures the transportation of the first movement element (1) and the column (K) therein, the protection of the first movement element (1) from physical effects, and the preservation of the position of the first movement element (1) on the earth's crust oscillating due to the earthquake / shock effect by the free rotation of the second balls (2a) and the reduction of the resulting kinetic energy effect, preferably made of concrete and / or polymer material, preferably in the form of a closed cylinder with a surface close to the ground; at least one damping element (3), preferably made of spring and / or flexible polymer material, is positioned between the second movement element (2) and the first movement element (1) within the second cavity, and dampens shocks and vibrations, thus reducing their transmission from the second movement element (2) to the first movement element (1).

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the movable foundation protection system developed with the present invention, the lower end of the column (K) that extends to the foundation of a construction structure such as a building and is positioned below the ground level, close to the earth's crust,is placed in the first cavity, with no gaps in between. In this way, the first movement element (1) is fixed to the lower end of the column (K). Afterwards, the first movement element (1) is placed in the second cavity and the damping element (3) is positioned in the second cavity, between the inner surface of the second movement element (2) and the outer surface of the first movement element (1). In this way, the second movement element (2) is positioned between the earth's crust and the first movement element (1). At the time of an earthquake or tremor, the oscillation or vibration movements of the earth's crust are first transmitted to the second movement element (2) and with the second balls (2a) in the second movement element (2) being able to roll freely and 360 degrees, the second movement element (2) slides in a direction different from the oscillation movements of the earthquake and thus prevents the entire oscillation movement from being transferred to the first movement element (1) therein. Meanwhile, with the flexible structure of the damping element (3), a counter force is applied opposite to the direction of movement of the second movement element (2) and the damping effect achieved by the free movement of the second movement element (2) is increased and the effect of vibrations and oscillations coming from the earth's crust is reduced and their transfer to the first movement element (1) is prevented. Finally, if some of the earthquake shocks and vibrations reach the first movement element (1), the first balls (1a) in the first movement element (1) roll freely and 360 degrees, and thus, the first movement element (1) slides in a direction different from the earthquake's oscillation movements within the second cavity, thus damping the entire oscillation movement. Thus, even if the earthquake intensity increases, the tremors and vibrations of the earth's crust are prevented from reaching the column (K) and both the column (K) and the entire building structure are kept in a fixed position during the earthquake.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the movable foundation protection system comprises at least four third movement element (4) each of which comprises a third cavity in its centre, equal in size to the said second cavity, and is positioned to surround the said second movement element (2), preferably made of metal and / or steel material with high hardness value, provides freedom of movement by rotating 360 degrees freely, comprises a plurality of third balls (4a) in spherical form, ensures that the second movement element (2) is supported against forces coming from parallel and angled directions to the ground, helps to maintain the position of the second movement element (2) on the earth's crust, which is shaken by the earthquake / shock effect, and to reduce the effect of the kinetic energy created by the free rotation of the third balls (4a), is preferably made of concrete and / or polymer material, is preferably in the form of a closed cylinder with a surface close to the ground. In this way, the second movement element (2) is surrounded and supported against lateral and angled oscillations and forces that are not perpendicular to the ground, and its movement on the ground is limited. Flexibility is provided to the structure thanks to the third cavity inside the third movement element (4), thus increasing the dampingeffectiveness of lateral oscillation movements, and the kinetic energy created by the earthquake is reduced thanks to the free rotation of the third balls (4a), thus reducing the movement distance of the second movement element (2).

[0044] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the movable foundation protection system comprises at least one stop element (5), which is positioned to surround / envelop all of the said third movement elements (4), reduces the movement distance of the second and third movement elements (2, 4) on the earth's crust by applying force in the direction opposite to the oscillation movements, prevents them from moving away from each other and returns them to their initial positions before the oscillation movements begin after the earthquake / shock, is preferably in elastic band structure. In this way, the third movement elements (4) are prevented from dispersing during the shock and losing contact with the second movement element (2). In addition, the energy absorption effect is increased and after the earthquake, especially the third movement elements (4) are brought back to their initial positions by reducing the movement distance.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the movable foundation protection system comprises at least one support element (6) made of flexible material, positioned between the said second and third movement elements (2, 4), which provides support to prevent the said second and third movement elements (2, 4) from colliding with each other and getting damaged due to the oscillatory movements caused by the earthquake / shock effect and helps to absorb the kinetic energy created. In this way, damage due to collision is prevented and the relative positions of the second and third movement elements (2, 4) are maintained during the earthquake / tremor.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the movable foundation protection system comprises at least one protection element (7), which is positioned so as to surround each of the first and / or second and / or third movement elements (1 , 2, 4), prevents the damage caused by the first and / or second and / or third movement elements (1, 2, 4) hitting each other during their oscillating movements and increases their strength, is preferably made of neoprene material. In this way, the physical strength of the movement elements (1, 2, 4) is increased, while their structure is protected as a whole in case of a possible break or crack.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the movable foundation protection system comprises a plurality of ball sockets, which are located on the surface of the first, second and third movement elements (1, 2, 4) close to the ground, have a structure suitable for placing said first, second and third balls (1a, 2a, 4a) therein, connect said first, second and third balls (1a, 2a, 4a) to said first, second and third movement elements (1, 2, 4) and allow them to rotate 360 degrees freely.The transmission of vibrations and tremors caused by the earthquake from the earth's crust to the building structure is prevented, and the kinetic energy of the earthquake is damped in the foundation region by providing freedom of movement in the foundation region of the structure, regardless of the flexibility of the materials used in the structure with the help of the movable foundation protection system developed with the present invention. In addition, an effective, efficient, safe, and functional movable foundation protection system is obtained that prevents both the building foundation and upper floors from being affected by seismic shocks, protects the building from the destructive effects of earthquakes, allows it to return to its original state after an earthquake for repeated use, and reduces maintenance and repair costs after installation.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A movable foundation protection system, which provides freedom of movement in the foundation area of the building, regardless of the type of material used in the building structure, ensures that the building structure is carried on the ground and comprises at least one column (K) extending perpendicular to the ground, thus ensures that the kinetic energy of the earthquake is absorbed in the foundation area of the building, prevents the vibrations and tremors caused by the earthquake from being transmitted from the earth's crust to the building structure and protects the entire structure from the effects of the earthquake, comprising:at least one first movement element (1) which comprises at least one first cavity located in the center of the first movement element (1) and suitable for accommodating the end of the column (K) near the ground and comprises a plurality of spherical first balls (1a) positioned on the surface near the ground, which provides 360-degree free rotation and movement freedom, wherein the first movement element (1) carries and protects the column (K) from physical effects by surrounding the column (K), and keeps the position of the column (K) fixed on the earth's crust, which is shaken by the earthquake / shock effect and prevents the transfer of the resulting kinetic energy to the column (K), by the free rotation of the first balls (1a);at least one second movement element (2), which comprises at least one second cavity located in the center of the second movement element (2), with a structure suitable for the placement of the first movement element (1) and whose cross- sectional area parallel to the ground is greater than the cross-sectional area of the first movement element (1) and which is located on its surface close to the ground and provides freedom of movement by rotating 360 degrees freely, and comprises a plurality of second balls (2a) in a spherical form, ensures the transportation of the first movement element (1) and the column (K) therein, the protection of the first movement element (1) from physical effects, and the preservation of the position of the first movement element (1) on the earth's crust oscillating due to the earthquake / shock effect by the free rotation of the second balls (2a) and the reduction of the resulting kinetic energy effect;at least one damping element (3), which is positioned between the second movement element (2) and the first movement element (1) within the second cavity, and dampens shocks and vibrations, thus reduces their transmission from the second movement element (2) to the first movement element (1).

2. A movable foundation protection system according to claim 1, wherein the first balls (1a) are made of metal and / or steel material with high hardness value.

3. A movable foundation protection system according to claim 1, wherein the first movement element (1) is made of concrete and / or polymer material.

4. A movable foundation protection system according to claim 1, wherein the first movement element (1) is in the form of a cylinder with a closed surface close to the ground.

5. A movable foundation protection system according to claim 1 , wherein the second balls (2a) are made of metal and / or steel material with high hardness value.

6. A movable foundation protection system according to claim 1 , wherein the second movement element (2) is made of concrete and / or polymer material.

7. A movable foundation protection system according to claim 1 , wherein the second movement element (2) is in the form of a cylinder with a closed surface close to the ground.

8. A movable foundation protection system according to claim 1 , wherein the damping element (3) is made of spring and / or flexible polymer material.

9. A movable foundation protection system according to claim 1, wherein the system also comprises at least four third movement element (4) each of which comprises a third cavity in its centre, equal in size to the said second cavity, and is positioned to surround the said second movement element (2), preferably made of metal and / or steel material with high hardness value, provides freedom of movement by rotating 360 degrees freely, comprises a plurality of third balls (4a) in spherical form, ensures that the second movement element (2) is supported against forces coming from parallel and angled directions to the ground, helps to maintain the position of the second movement element (2) on the earth's crust, which is shaken by the earthquake / shock effect, and to reduce the effect of the kinetic energy created by the free rotation of the third balls (4a), is preferably made of concrete and / or polymer material, is preferably in the form of a closed cylinder with a surface close to the ground.

10. A movable foundation protection system according to claim 9, wherein the system also comprises at least one stop element (5), which is positioned to surround / envelop all of the said third movement elements (4), reduces the movement distance of the second and third movement elements (2, 4) on the earth's crust by applying force in the direction opposite tothe oscillation movements, prevents them from moving away from each other and returns them to their initial positions before the oscillation movements begin after the earthquake / shock, is preferably in elastic band structure.

11. A movable foundation protection system according to claim 9, wherein the system also comprises at least one support element (6) made of flexible material, positioned between the said second and third movement elements (2, 4), which provides support to prevent the said second and third movement elements (2, 4) from colliding with each other and getting damaged due to the oscillatory movements caused by the earthquake / shock effect and helps to absorb the kinetic energy created.

12. A movable foundation protection system according to claim 9, wherein the system also comprises at least one protection element (7), which is positioned so as to surround each of the first and / or second and / or third movement elements (1, 2, 4), prevents the damage caused by the first and / or second and / or third movement elements (1, 2, 4) hitting each other during their oscillating movements and increases their strength, is preferably made of neoprene material.

13. A movable foundation protection system according to claim 9, wherein the system also comprises a plurality of ball sockets, which are located on the surface of the first, second and third movement elements (1, 2, 4) close to the ground, have a structure suitable for placing said first, second and third balls (1a, 2a, 4a) therein, connect said first, second and third balls (1a, 2a, 4a) to said first, second and third movement elements (1, 2, 4) and allow them to rotate 360 degrees freely.

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