Beam Coupler Seismic Energy Dissipation via Friction Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing friction damping solutions for seismic energy dissipation in building structures are not well-suited for certain configurations of reinforced concrete, precast concrete, or steel structures, necessitating an improvement in coupler designs to effectively manage seismic energy and prevent damage.
Innovation Solution
A beam coupler system comprising a central plate and side plates with oblong or circular holes, compression means, and optional friction pads, designed to maintain coupling between beam elements while allowing relative displacement during deflection, ensuring parallelism and efficient energy dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If known friction damping technologies are installed in bracings, then seismic energy can be dissipated through friction/heat conversion, but these solutions are not well-adapted for certain structural configurations requiring beam element coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The friction damping system is segmented into modular components (central plate, side plates, compression means) that can be independently configured and assembled to suit different structural applications, including beam element coupling configurations where traditional bracing solutions fail
Solution Approach 2:
The beam coupler device is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as a coupling mechanism for beam elements and as a friction-based seismic energy dissipation device, eliminating the need for separate bracing systems in certain configurations
2Strength
If compression means are made rigid to maintain coupling, then structural integrity is preserved, but relative displacement during deflection is restricted preventing energy dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The compression means incorporates dynamic characteristics through oblong holes that allow the compression body to shift position relative to the plates during seismic events, enabling controlled relative displacement and energy dissipation while maintaining overall structural coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its mechanical parameters dynamically: during normal conditions the compression means maintains rigid coupling, but during seismic deflection the oblong holes allow geometric parameter changes (body displacement within holes) that enable energy dissipation through controlled movement
3Ease of manufacture
If circular holes are used in plates, then manufacturing is simplified, but displacement capability during deflection is limited compared to oblong holes
Solution Approach 1:
The hole geometry transitions from symmetric circular shapes to asymmetric oblong shapes in specific locations, creating directional displacement pathways that guide the compression body movement along the longitudinal axis while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The beam coupler system effectively maintains structural integrity and parallelism of beam elements under deflection, providing enhanced seismic resistance and energy dissipation capabilities, addressing the limitations of existing friction damping technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the oblong hole allows displacement of the body of the compression means therein upon displacement of the central plate and the side plates relative to each other resulting from a deflection of the beam elements
Implementation Method 2
Friction damping has been widely used in the construction industry since the 1980s. The friction damping is effective for seismic control of buildings, i.e., making the buildings more resistant to forces from earthquakes. Such friction damping technologies are typically installed in the bracings of the structure of the building and operate by converting seismic energy from earthquakes into friction/heat.
Data Source
AI summary
A beam coupler adapted to couple two beams mounted side by side. One coupler comprises a central plate mounted to the first beam, comprising two central-plate side faces in the coupling orientation; and a longitudinal oblong hole providing a passage connecting the two side faces. The coupler also comprises a pair of side plates mounted to the second beam, each comprising an interior face to neighbor the central plate; an exterior face; and a circular side-plate hole providing a passage connecting the interior face with the exterior face. The coupler further comprises compression means applying an inward preload over the plates, comprising a body extending between the exterior faces through the circular and oblong holes. The oblong holes allow displacement of the body of the compression means therein in the longitudinal direction upon a displacement of the plates resulting from a deflection of the beams.