Precast Moment-Resisting Building Repair via Replaceable BRR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reinforced concrete (RC) moment-resisting buildings are prone to significant damage during severe earthquakes, leading to costly and time-consuming total replacement, as existing construction methods like cast-in-place construction are slow and impractical for repair.
Innovation Solution
The use of precast beams and columns with detachable buckling restrained reinforcement (BRR) and mechanical bar splices allows for accelerated construction and easy component disassembly and replacement, enabling quick and cost-effective repair of damaged structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cast-in-place construction is used for RC moment-resisting buildings, then structural integrity is achieved, but construction speed is slow and post-event repair is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The building structure is divided into separate precast components (beams, columns, joints) that can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site. This segmentation enables faster construction through parallel manufacturing and simplifies repair by allowing individual component replacement without affecting the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system incorporates replaceable fuse elements and mechanical splices that can be quickly installed and removed. The dynamic nature of these connections allows for rapid assembly during construction and efficient disassembly/replacement during repair operations, addressing both construction speed and repairability requirements.
2Reliability
If total replacement of structure is performed after severe earthquake damage, then safety is ensured, but economic and social costs are substantial
Solution Approach 1:
The design incorporates replaceable fuse elements and damaged components that can be discarded after absorbing seismic energy or sustaining damage. These components are designed to be economically replaceable while the main structural elements remain intact, allowing recovery of the majority of the structure and avoiding total replacement costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Fuse elements and certain connection components are designed as disposable, low-cost elements that protect more expensive structural components. These sacrificial elements are replaced after damage rather than repairing complex structural members, reducing overall economic loss while maintaining structural safety.
3Productivity
If precast components with detachable connections are used, then construction is accelerated and repair is simplified, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Mechanical splices and fuse elements serve as intermediary components between precast concrete members and steel reinforcement. These intermediaries simplify the connection detail by providing standardized, pre-fabricated joining mechanisms that are easier to install than traditional rebar splicing while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to reinforced concrete moment-resisting buildings with precast beams, precast columns, and replaceable buckling restrained reinforcements. Modular channels and pins or boxes are provided that allow for the replacement and repair of the precast moment-resisting beams and columns. Replaceable buckling restrained reinforcements are used to attach the beams and columns via embedded reinforcements and couplers.