Seismic Beam Design for Uniform Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional structural systems, such as buildings, inefficiently absorb seismic forces, leading to damage and costly repairs or replacements of structural members during seismic events due to uneven stress distribution and potential joint failures.
Innovation Solution
Seismic beams and columns with varying cross-sectional areas and moments of inertia along their length, designed to distribute stress uniformly and resist lateral forces through rigid joints, reducing the risk of joint failure and material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional structural members with uniform cross-section are used, then manufacturing is simpler and cost is lower, but stress distribution is uneven leading to increased damage and repair costs during seismic events
Solution Approach 1:
The beam cross-sectional dimensions are varied along its length, with larger dimensions at locations experiencing higher stress and smaller dimensions where stress is lower. This local variation optimizes stress distribution while maintaining structural integrity during seismic events.
Solution Approach 2:
The moment of inertia parameter is changed along the beam length by varying the cross-sectional dimensions. This parameter change allows the beam to better distribute stress under seismic loading conditions, reducing peak stresses and preventing joint failures.
2Loss of energy
If structural fuses are added to absorb seismic energy, then energy dissipation improves, but repair and replacement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beam design intentionally creates a non-uniform stress distribution that directs seismic energy away from joints and toward the beam body, converting potential joint failures into controlled beam deformations that are easier to repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The varying cross-sectional design pre-establishes a stress distribution pattern that counteracts the harmful effects of seismic loading, preventing joint failures before they occur by redistributing stresses to more resilient locations.
3Force
If rigid joints are used in moment-resisting frames, then lateral force resistance improves, but joint failure risk increases during seismic events
Solution Approach 1:
The beam cross-section is optimized at specific locations relative to joints, with larger dimensions near joints to concentrate stress away from the joint connections themselves, thereby protecting the joints from direct seismic loading while maintaining overall frame rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The varying cross-sectional beam acts as an intermediary element that transfers and redistributes seismic forces from the rigid joints to the beam body, protecting the joints from direct stress concentration while maintaining the frame's lateral resistance capability.
4Quantity of substance
If uniform cross-sectional beams are used, then material usage is more predictable, but stress concentration leads to increased damage
Solution Approach 1:
The beam cross-sectional dimensions are locally optimized at different positions along the beam length, with larger dimensions at high-stress locations and smaller dimensions at low-stress locations, thereby reducing stress concentration while improving material distribution efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional parameters (width and depth) are varied along the beam length to match the stress distribution pattern, reducing stress concentration at critical locations while optimizing material usage throughout the beam.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to structural, seismic beams and columns as well as to structures including such beams and columns. The seismic beams and columns may be sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to produce approximately even or uniform load distribution (e.g., during a seismic event and/or wind loading event).