Replaceable Ductile Fuse for Seismic Anchor Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for designing connections between structural elements and concrete foundations to withstand seismic loads are costly and time-consuming, as they often require replacing anchor rods or overdesigning the connection to ensure ductile deformation before concrete failure.
Innovation Solution
A replaceable ductile fuse is positioned in the load path between the structure and the anchor, configured to deform ductilely when stress exceeds its elastic limit, allowing for easy removal and replacement without altering the concrete or structure, thus satisfying seismic design requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anchor rods are designed to fail in a ductile manner before concrete failure, then seismic design requirements are satisfied, but replacement cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor rod is segmented into two distinct parts: a permanent anchor portion embedded in the concrete and a replaceable fuse portion that can be easily removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the fuse to be replaced without affecting the permanent anchor or the concrete structure, thereby reducing replacement time while still satisfying seismic design requirements through ductile failure of the fuse portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse portion is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that is intended to fail in a ductile manner during seismic events. By using a cheap, replaceable fuse instead of a permanent anchor rod, the system can undergo controlled ductile failure without causing damage to the expensive concrete structure, and the fuse can be quickly replaced after the event.
2Reliability
If anchor rods are replaced after failure, then structural integrity is restored, but cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor rod is divided into a permanent anchor portion and a replaceable fuse portion with different functions. The anchor portion remains embedded in the concrete to maintain structural integrity, while the fuse portion is designed for easy removal and replacement. This segmentation simplifies the replacement process significantly compared to replacing the entire anchor rod.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse portion is extracted as a separate, removable component from the anchor system. This allows the fuse to be replaced without disturbing the permanent anchor portion or the concrete structure, thereby reducing replacement complexity and cost while maintaining structural integrity through the permanent anchor.
3Strength
If conventional anchor rods are used, then structural connection is achieved, but ductile deformation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the anchor system are given different properties: the permanent anchor portion is designed for strength and durability to maintain structural connection, while the fuse portion is specifically designed with ductile material properties to undergo controlled plastic deformation. This local differentiation of properties allows the system to achieve both strong connection and ductile deformation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse portion is designed with specific material parameters and geometric parameters that enable ductile deformation. By changing the material composition, cross-sectional area, and length of the fuse portion, the system can be tuned to undergo controlled ductile failure at predetermined load levels, providing adaptability for seismic design requirements while maintaining connection strength through the permanent anchor.
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 enables a cost-effective and efficient method to dictate a ductile failure limit state in structural connections, allowing for visual deformation and replacement of the fuse without damaging the structure or concrete, thereby meeting seismic code requirements without downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The fuse is configured to deform in a ductile manner when the structure exerts a force on the fuse that causes a stress in the fuse which exceeds an elastic limit of the fuse
Implementation Method 2
when the structure exerts a force on the fuse that causes a stress in the fuse which exceeds an elastic limit of the fuse
Data Source
AI summary
A fuse and a method of using the fuse to removably couple a structure to an anchor preferably partially embedded in concrete. The fuse is configured to be removably coupled to the anchor so that the fuse is positioned in a load path between the anchor and the structure. The fuse is configured to deform in a ductile manner when the structure exerts a force on the fuse that causes a stress in the fuse which exceeds an elastic limit of the fuse. The fuse may be decoupled from the anchor without altering the concrete, the anchor, and the structure. If the structure exerts a force on the fuse that causes the fuse to deform in a ductile manner, the fuse may be decoupled from the anchor and replaced with another fuse.