Superstructure Building Technologies Essay Example

High-rise buildings are prone to damage by a variety of natural phenomena and agents, some of which include high winds and seismic activity. The energy released from these phenomena may compromise the stability of structures leading to extensive damage or structural failure (Ali, 2009). There are, however, various technologies that have been employed to mitigate such risks, some of which are discussed herein.

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Seismic dampers have been used in the recent past to prevent structural instability due to earth movements. These are large-mass devices installed at the top levels of high buildings. Seismic dampers in buildings function by cancelling out the effect of seismic movement, or reducing its effects (Dutta, Mukhopadhyay & Energy and Resources Institute. 2012). A popular example of installation of the same is in Taipei 101, one of the tallest structures in the world. Seismic dampers are also referred to as tuned mass dampers since they also help reduce the effect of external environmental forces that may come from strong winds. Strong winds may compromise the stability of buildings whereby their effect is more observable as the height increases. Aerodynamic interference can cause the top of tall buildings to shift by up to a meter (Ali, 2009). The effect of such is felt especially by people who experience motion sickness. Tuned mass dampers are placed strategically to absorb the frequency that may result from changes in environmental conditions.

Seismic base isolation is a popular and effective technique used to protect superstructures from harmful seismic activity. It is essentially the partial disconnection of the superstructure and its substructure by use of various structural techniques (Dutta et al., 2012). Buildings are fitted with various forms of dampers, ball bearings, and pressurized air bubbles among a variety of other technologies. These technologies are often combines in order to produce the desired results in the intended scale (Ali, 2009). Seismic base isolation could also be used in smaller scales such as in application to just one portion of the building or room, often to protect valuable items such as art pieces. This technology has been used in places such as Tokyo's National Museum of Western Arts.

Core wall systems are also incorporated in high-rise structures. These structures improve the buildings seismic performance and enable it to withstand certain levels of earth movements. Seismic performance refers to a buildings ability to retain most of its functionality after seismic stress. Core wall systems are executed at the center of buildings (Dutta et al., 2012). Buildings with core wall structures experience significantly lower floor accelerations and lesser damage from shear forces. This technology is, however, most effective when combined with various other technologies and is not sufficient on its own. In many cases, they are used together with base isolation (Ivanov, 2015). Rocking core wall systems are systems which allow the tensile strength of the core wall to be regulated using hydraulic jacks which may either loose or tighten depending on the seismic nature of the ground on which the building stands (Dutta et al., 2012). These jacks connect steel tendons which run through the buildings entire height, thereby acting as rubber bands.

Shock absorbers are also commonly used in the management of kinetic energy produced by seismic waves. Shock absorbers work by converting kinetic energy into heat. Shock absorbers are also known as dampers and often connect beams and columns within a building (Ivanov, 2015). Silicone oil is commonly used as hydraulic fluid, which dissipates the heat produced from the conversion of the kinetic energy. Shock absorbers minimize the horizontal displacement of the building each time there is mechanical energy from seismic activity (Ali, 2009). Shock absorbers are also most effective when used together with other technologies discussed herein. For instance, whenever tuned mass dampers are installed, they are connected to the man building using shock absorbers, which enable the pendulum to move within the required frequency. Among all the technologies, shock absorbers have been in use for the longest time.

The seismic invisibility cloak is one of the newest technologies that have been devised to deal with seismic activity and prevent structural damage of buildings. The seismic invisibility cloak seeks to deal with the seismic waves which often result to vertical movement of the earth's surface, from whence most of the damage arises (Dutta et al., 2012). Thus, if it were possible to prevent the seismic waves from reaching the buildings, then the adverse effects could be averted. The seismic invisibility cloak seeks to achieve this by creating concentric plastic rings around the buildings, below the surface (Ali, 2009). These rings will contain and divert the seismic waves thereby preventing them from reaching and damaging the building's foundation, hence the term 'seismic invisibility cloak (Ivanov, 2015).' These ring systems could be put within entire urban areas in such a way that energy from seismic activity is redirected and safely redistributed in such a way as to avoid damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, structural integrity of a building can be maintained based on the likely forces that would compromise it. The technologies discussed herein are applicable when it comes to seismic activity or high winds. Rocking core wall systems are, for instance, useful in the handling of the effects of the wind, as they increase the elasticity of the building. Seismic base isolation and seismic invisibility cloak are also similar in that they are both preventive measures.

References

Ali, K. M. (2009). Earthquake-resistant structures: Design, build and retrofit. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.Bottom of FormTop of Form

Dutta, S. C., Mukhopadhyay, P., & Energy and Resources Institute. (2012). Improving earthquake and cyclone resistance of structures: Guidelines for the Indian subcontinent.Top of Form

Ivanov, D. (2015). Seismic resistant design and technology. Boca Raton: CRC Press.