Hinge Cell Beam Column Connection Seismic Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seismic design methods for buildings under earthquake loads often result in significant damage, leading to economic losses and limited effectiveness in concrete structures, due to high costs and restricted architectural flexibility of existing energy dissipation systems and seismic isolation methods.
Innovation Solution
A hinge cell system for beam-to-column connections that absorbs seismic loads by allowing plastic rotation, featuring a beam plate, column plate, middle plate, protrusions, pins, and resistive bars to dissipate energy and prevent damage to structural members, which is versatile across concrete, steel, and prestressed building systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional seismic isolation systems and isolation devices are used, then seismic forces are transferred away from the building foundation, but construction cost increases significantly and construction duration is extended due to custom manufacturing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cell uses a replaceable energy dissipating element (such as a sacrificial link plate or ductile member) that is designed to fail in a controlled manner during severe earthquakes. This replaceable component absorbs seismic energy through inelastic deformation or fracture, protecting the main structural members. After the earthquake, only the damaged hinge cell needs to be replaced, not the entire isolation system, reducing both initial cost and replacement cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge cell changes the mechanical properties of the connection by using a replaceable element with controlled yield strength lower than the beam and column. This creates a deliberate weak link that yields first, changing the force distribution pattern to protect the main structure. The parameter of yield strength is specifically adjusted in the hinge cell components to ensure they fail before the primary structural members.
2Loss of energy
If energy dissipation systems (dampers, braces) are installed, then seismic energy is dissipated through relative displacement, but architectural flexibility is reduced and effectiveness is limited in concrete buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cell is designed as a universal connection detail that can be applied to various building types including concrete, steel, and timber structures. It serves multiple functions: providing rotational connectivity, dissipating seismic energy, and maintaining architectural flexibility. The hinge cell can be integrated into standard beam-to-column connections without requiring special architectural openings or diagonal bracing, making it suitable for both new construction and retrofitting across different building types.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge cell acts as an intermediary element between the beam and column, providing a controlled deformation mechanism. Instead of relying on the beam or column themselves to dissipate energy (which would compromise their integrity), the hinge cell mediates the energy dissipation process through its replaceable energy dissipating element, protecting the primary structural members while maintaining connection functionality.
3Loss of energy
If replaceable link plates are used in beam-to-column connections, then energy dissipation is provided through inelastic deformation, but the link plate is subjected to combined shear and flexure leading to complex failure modes
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cell concentrates the energy dissipation function in a specific local region (the replaceable link plate or ductile element) with optimized geometry and material properties. This local quality approach allows the rest of the connection and structural members to maintain their standard designs, while the hinge cell components are specifically tailored for controlled inelastic deformation. The local reinforcement and geometry are optimized to ensure the dissipating element yields in a predictable manner under seismic loads.
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 hinge cell system effectively absorbs seismic forces, preventing damage to structural members and allowing for easy replacement of deformed components, thus reducing economic losses and maintaining building usability post-earthquake, while being aesthetically neutral and applicable to various building types.
Implementation Method 1
at least a resistive bar (7) secured between the beam plate (2) and the column plate (3) resisting the rotational motion along the axis orthogonal to the pin (6) axis
Implementation Method 2
at least a pin (6) attaching the protrusions (5) though the holes forming a rotatable joint connection between the beam plate (2) and the column plate (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A hinge cell (1) for beam to column connection, providing ground movement protection to a construction by preventing plastic bending on frames of the construction, comprising a beam plate (2) adapted for being mounted to a beam-end from its outer surface, a column plate (3) adapted for being mounted to a column surface from its outer surface, two protrusions (5) one of which is positioned perpendicularly on the inner surface of the beam plate and another of which is positioned perpendicularly on the inner surface of the column plate where a transverse hole passing through the protrusions, a pin (6) attaching the protrusions though the holes forming a rotatable joint connection between the beam plate and the column plate and a resistive bar (7) secured between the beam plate and the column plate resisting the rotational motion.