Column Base Connections with Sacrificial Structural Fuses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structures with column base connections that rely on ductility for earthquake resistance are difficult to repair after the column yields, necessitating demolition due to the impracticality of repairing the yielded components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a structural fuse in the base connection that preferentially yields, allowing for the column to remain intact by absorbing and dissipating energy, thereby facilitating easier repair and maintaining structural resilience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the column is configured to yield at or near the base connection to accommodate large swaying during severe earthquakes, then the structure can resist catastrophic failure, but the structure becomes difficult to repair and requires demolition after the earthquake
Solution Approach 1:
The base connection is segmented into distinct functional components: a base plate, anchor rods, and a removable structural fuse. This segmentation allows the fuse to be the sacrificial element that yields during earthquakes while the column and base plate remain intact and reusable, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of repair
Solution Approach 2:
The structural fuse is designed as a disposable, sacrificial component that is intentionally configured to yield first during seismic events. After yielding, the fuse is replaced rather than repaired, providing a simple and cost-effective solution that maintains structural reliability while enabling easy post-earthquake restoration
2Reliability
If the structure relies on ductility to prevent catastrophic failure during severe earthquakes, then the structure can accommodate large swaying, but the yielded components become impractical to repair
Solution Approach 1:
The yielding function is extracted from the permanent structural components (column and base plate) and assigned to a separate, removable structural fuse. This extraction allows the main structure to remain intact and simple while the fuse absorbs the ductility demands, greatly simplifying post-earthquake repair operations
3Reliability
If the column yields to accommodate earthquake loads, then the structure can resist severe shaking, but the structure loses resilience and requires demolition
Solution Approach 1:
The structural fuse is designed to be discarded (replaced) after yielding, while the valuable permanent components (column and base plate) are recovered and retained. This approach maintains structural resilience by allowing simple replacement of the sacrificial fuse rather than requiring demolition of the entire structure
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 structural fuse enables the structure to withstand severe loads without collapsing, allowing for predictable and efficient repair of the yielded components, maintaining structural integrity and reducing the need for extensive reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one cutout is configured to form one or more yield regions extending therefrom that are configured to preferentially yield relative to other regions of the plate
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to base connections, structures including base connections, kits for forming the base connections and/or structures, and method of repairing yielded base connections. In an embodiment, a base connection includes a base plate including a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The top surface is configured to be adjacent to a terminal end of a column and the bottom surface adjacent to a foundation. The connection also includes one or more anchor rods attached to the base plate. The anchor rods are configured to secure the base plate to the foundation. The connection includes at least one structural fuse configured to be attached to the column and attached to the base plate. The fuse includes a plate with at least one cutout formed therein. The cutout is configured to form one or more yield regions that are configured to preferentially yield.