Seismic Yielding Connector Panel-to-Column Energy Dissipation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic protection systems for buildings in earthquake-prone areas require extensive structural augmentation and are costly, making them inefficient and economically burdensome.
Innovation Solution
The seismic yielding connector, comprising a U-shaped plate, a yielding plate, and a high-strength bolt with a bushing, connects panels to structural columns, allowing for controlled deformation and energy dissipation during seismic events, thereby reducing damage to the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shear panels and structural tie-downs are used for seismic protection, then building stability during earthquakes is improved, but structural complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct functional components: a rigid connection element for attaching to the structural column, a yielding element with controlled plastic hinge for energy dissipation, and a panel connection element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while keeping the overall system simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The yielding element acts as an intermediary component between the rigid connection and the panel. It contains a plastic hinge that yields in a controlled manner, absorbing seismic energy through deformation while protecting the main structural column from damage. This mediator approach allows the structure to withstand earthquakes without requiring extensive augmentation.
2Reliability
If extensive structural augmentation is implemented for seismic resistance, then earthquake withstand capability is improved, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The yielding element is designed with specific geometric parameters (thickness, width, hinge location) that control its plastic deformation characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the connection can be tuned to yield at desired force levels, providing seismic protection without requiring excessive structural material. The connection achieves earthquake resistance through controlled deformation rather than brute-force structural augmentation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connections are used to connect panels to structural columns, then structural stability is improved, but ductility and energy dissipation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection transitions from a purely rigid static connection to a dynamic system with controlled deformation. The yielding element is designed to undergo plastic hinge rotation during seismic events, allowing the connection to adapt its stiffness and energy dissipation characteristics based on the applied load. This dynamic behavior enables both stability during normal conditions and energy dissipation during earthquakes.
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 seismic yielding connector effectively mobilizes the inherent stiffness of panels, controls damage during earthquakes, and provides a ductile connection that prevents premature failure and progressive collapse, meeting building code criteria for seismic resistance while being cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a yielding plate located between the U-shaped plate and the side stud of the panel
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology provides a seismic yielding connector. The seismic yielding connector includes a U-shaped plate configured to connect a side stud of a panel to another component of a panel and a yielding plate located between the U-shaped plate and the side stud of the panel. A high-strength bolt connects the U-shaped plate, the yielding plate, and the side stud of the panel to a structural column. A bushing is located between the U-shaped plate and the structural column.