Removable Seismic Bracing With Fireproof Glass for Existing Buildings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-seismic bracing systems for buildings are invasive, affecting the static equilibrium and architectural integrity, requiring irreversible installation and fire protection that hides the structure, necessitating long-term demolition sites.
Innovation Solution
A removable and reversible anti-seismic bracing system using shock transmitters, tubular elements, and fireproof glass boxes that clamp to existing beams without altering the structure, becoming active only during earthquakes, and providing fire protection without covering the building.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anti-seismic bracing systems are installed, then seismic protection is improved, but the building's architectural integrity and static equilibrium are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to adapt its rigidity based on seismic conditions. During normal conditions, the system remains flexible and movable, preserving the building's static equilibrium. During earthquakes, the system activates and becomes rigid to provide seismic protection, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining static equilibrium and providing seismic protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its physical parameters (rigidity, mobility) based on seismic conditions. The shock transmitters and tubular elements can transition between flexible and rigid states, allowing the structure to maintain its architectural integrity during normal conditions while providing enhanced seismic resistance when needed.
2Reliability
If fire protection coating is applied to external structures, then fire resistance is improved, but the building's architectural value and visibility are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin film fire protection coatings instead of thick concrete or masonry coatings. These thin films provide adequate fire resistance while being transparent or translucent, allowing the architectural features and structural elements to remain visible and preserve the building's aesthetic value.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire protection coating is designed to be transparent or translucent rather than opaque, allowing the underlying architectural features to remain visible. This approach maintains the building's architectural integrity and aesthetic appeal while providing necessary fire protection.
3Strength
If irreversible installation is used for anti-seismic systems, then structural reinforcement is improved, but demolition and modification work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-seismic system is divided into separate, modular components (shock transmitters, tubular elements, bracing members) that can be independently installed and removed. This segmentation allows the system to be assembled and disassembled without damaging the building structure, providing both strong reinforcement and installation reversibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with dynamic, adjustable connections rather than permanent fixed connections. The bracing elements can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for reversible installation that maintains structural reinforcement while avoiding the need for extensive demolition work.
4Reliability
If invasive bracing structures are installed, then seismic resistance is improved, but the building surfaces and architectural features are hidden
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses thin, transparent or translucent fire protection films that allow architectural features to remain visible while providing necessary protection. This approach maintains maximum visible surface area while ensuring seismic resistance and fire safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracing system is designed to be minimally intrusive in the visual dimension while maintaining effectiveness in the structural dimension. By using transparent materials and strategic positioning, the system provides seismic resistance without significantly reducing the visible surface area of the building.
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 maintains the building's static equilibrium and architectural integrity, allowing quick installation and removal, reducing damage and costs, while ensuring seismic protection and fire resistance without altering the structure's appearance.
Implementation Method 1
two shock transmitters at the base, which make it possible the stiffening of the system only in the event of an earthquake
Implementation Method 2
a box-like system of protection in fireproof glass
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular anti-seismic bracing system for a building equipped with horizontal structural elements (20), comprising two pillars (2) a Saint Andrew's cross (3) that can be fixed between the two pillars (2) two upper clasping elements (10) that can be fixed to the upper ends of the pillars (2) wherein the upper clasping elements (10) comprise tie-wrapping means for tying said structural elements (20) so that said structural elements (20) are not modified by the application or removal of the module (1).