Dissipative Connecting Device for Seismic Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connections between construction elements, such as those used in cross-laminated prefabricated panels, often result in irreversible damage during seismic events, failing to effectively dissipate energy and maintain structural integrity, especially in multi-storey wooden buildings in seismic areas.
Innovation Solution
A dissipative connecting device with a shaped and perforated plate design that concentrates plasticization in specific elements, allowing for controlled energy dissipation and preventing damage to connected elements, featuring a combination of axial and bending dissipative elements that can be designed for various stress conditions and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional connections (hold-down and angle bracket types) are used to join construction elements, then strength and stiffness are provided, but irreversible damage occurs to the connected elements during seismic events
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is segmented into distinct functional zones: elastic elements for reversible deformation, plastic hinges for controlled energy dissipation, and friction elements for additional damping. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the others, enabling the connection to provide both strength and damage resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary connection device between the construction elements that acts as a buffer during seismic events. This intermediary component absorbs and dissipates energy through controlled plastic deformation and friction, protecting the main structural elements from irreversible damage while maintaining connection strength.
2Loss of energy
If dissipative elements are added to increase energy dissipation, then seismic resistance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dissipative mechanisms (elastic deformation, plastic hinging, friction) are merged into a single integrated connection device. This consolidation achieves high energy dissipation capacity without proportionally increasing complexity, as the mechanisms work synergistically within a unified structural framework rather than requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural strength through its rigid components, dissipates energy through plastic hinges, provides additional damping through friction elements, and maintains ductility through elastic deformation. This multi-functionality achieves high energy dissipation without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
3Strength
If conventional connections are designed for high strength, then structural integrity is maintained, but replaceability after damage is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is designed as a replaceable component with a intended service life through seismic events. It incorporates sacrificial elements (plastic hinges, friction components) that can be damaged or worn but are easily replaced, allowing the main structural elements to remain intact and the connection to be swapped out after seismic events without costly structural repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device is designed to be discarded after experiencing severe seismic damage while the main structural elements are recovered and reused. The modular design allows for quick replacement of the connection component, minimizing repair time and costs while preserving the valuable structural elements.
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 solution provides enhanced energy dissipation, maintains structural integrity by localizing damage, and allows for easy replacement of the connecting device, ensuring buildings remain resistant to seismic actions while minimizing material usage and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
plates that are shaped in a suitable and different manner that allow the yielding (plasticization) to be conveyed and concentrated in some specific parts of the device
Implementation Method 2
The second dissipative elements are arranged along the long sides of a U-shaped, internally solid, curve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting device (1,10,10',10") between construction elements (L, C) for the controlled dissipation of energy comprising at least one plate comprising, in turn, at least a first portion (2, 12, 12',12"), said at least first portion (2, 12, 12',12") comprising a plurality of first holes (3,30,30',30") dimensioned and mutually spaced such to create a plurality of first dissipative elements (4,40,40',40") directed in the main development direction of the plate and intended to absorb axial stresses applied on said connecting device (1,10,10',10") and a plurality of second holes (5,50,50',50") dimensioned and mutually spaced such to create a plurality of second dissipative elements (6,60,60',60") directed perpendicularly to the main development direction of the plate and intended to absorb by means of bending mechanisms the axial stresses applied on said connecting device (1,10,10',10"); the invention relates also to a building comprising a plurality of connecting devices (1,10,10',10") able to dissipate energy in a controlled way between construction elements (L, C); the invention relates also to the relevant method for the controlled dissipation of energy between construction elements (L,C).