Building Core Flexible Interface Seismic Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building core systems, such as steel and concrete cores, are uneconomical, time-consuming to construct, and have undesirable mechanical properties, leading to increased embodied carbon and construction timelines, while also complicating the building process with difficult dimensional tolerances and obstructive components.
Innovation Solution
A building core assembly system utilizing a column assembly, wall end assembly, and flexible interface with a spring pack assembly, disc springs, male and female fastening members, and an absorbing layer, allowing for rapid assembly and seismic resilience, using mass timber materials and metal connectors to reduce embodied carbon and construction time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforced concrete cores are used, then structural strength is achieved, but construction time increases significantly due to pouring time and site work
Solution Approach 1:
The building core is divided into discrete modular units (column assemblies, wall end assemblies, floor assemblies) that can be manufactured separately and assembled rapidly on-site, eliminating the continuous pouring process required for conventional concrete cores
Solution Approach 2:
Core components are pre-manufactured off-site with precise dimensional control before delivery to the construction site, allowing assembly to proceed without the time-consuming on-site concrete pouring and curing processes
2Stability of the object's composition
If reinforced concrete cores are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but the building process becomes unnecessarily complicated with difficult dimensional tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The core structure is segmented into standardized modular units with predetermined connection interfaces, simplifying the assembly process and reducing the complexity of achieving dimensional tolerances compared to monolithic concrete construction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of core construction from wet concrete pouring to dry assembly of pre-manufactured components, eliminating the need for complex formwork, reinforcement placement, and curing processes while maintaining structural integrity
3Strength
If conventional core systems are used, then structural support is provided, but embodied carbon increases due to material choices
Solution Approach 1:
The core assemblies utilize composite construction combining steel structural elements with mass timber panels, creating a hybrid system that provides equivalent structural support to concrete while significantly reducing embodied carbon
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material composition parameter from concrete and steel to a hybrid steel-mass timber system, maintaining structural support capabilities while reducing the embodied carbon footprint of the building core
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connections are used in core assemblies, then structural stability is maximized, but seismic resilience is reduced due to inability to deflect and re-center
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system incorporates dynamic elements including friction-based slip connections and energy-dissipating devices that allow the core to deflect during seismic events and re-center afterward, transforming the rigid structure into a resilient system capable of withstanding earthquake forces
Solution Approach 2:
Friction plates and energy-dissipating devices are introduced as intermediary elements between structural components, allowing controlled movement and energy dissipation during seismic events while maintaining overall structural stability
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 system enables faster, more economical, and lower-carbon building core assembly, reducing construction time and embodied carbon, while providing seismic resilience and maintaining occupant comfort by allowing the building core to deflect and re-center without permanent damage, thus addressing the inefficiencies of traditional core systems.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible interface includes a spring pack assembly having a disc spring
Implementation Method 2
The spring pack assembly having a disc spring
Implementation Method 3
The spring pack assembly having a disc spring, an elongated male fastening member, a female fastening member, and an absorbing layer
Data Source
AI summary
A column assembly has an elongated tubular member. A wall end assembly has an elongated tubular member. A flexible interface connects the column assembly to the wall end assembly. The flexible interface includes a spring pack assembly having a disc spring, an elongated male fastening member, a female fastening member, and an absorbing layer. The male fastening member extends through the spring pack hole into the female fastening member to connect the column assembly to the wall end assembly with the female fastening member and to hold the male fastening member in place.