MXPA97002406A - System to stabilize estructu - Google Patents

Abstract

A stabilization system that protects a structure, comprising at least one plate and having a foundation formed in the ground, against the effects of seismic disturbances. The pendular support elements, secured to the upper ends to the respective support columns fixed to the foundation and at the lower ends to support the positions of the plate, support the plate while allowing a limited relative movement between the plate and the columns of support in the case of a seismic disturbance. A damping system connects the foundation plate to prevent the action of forces tending to produce relative rotation between the plate and the foundation and to provide a damped control of the linear displacements between them. A level verification system verifies the respective levels of the verification positions shifted around the plate and detects the different changes in the levels in the verification positions, the rods are adjustable to correct such differential changes and therefore establish a connection common level in all check positions

Description

SYSTEM TO STABILIZE STRUCTURES FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a system, for protecting structures, for example, buildings, bridges, and machines such as printing presses, from the effects of seismic disturbances, and more particularly, with an improved system that employs a hydraulic damping system to provide improved damping and which facilitates the adjustment of the damping level provided for the protection of a wide variety of such structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION U.S. Patent No. 4,860,507 of the inventor (hereinafter "the 507 patent") discloses a stabilization system for protecting structures, e.g., buildings, from the effects of seismic disturbances. A basement insulation system that uses vertical support columns, suspended by the flexible elements of the corresponding bases, which provide a "floating" support of a structure in relation to its foundations, REF: 24357 reducing the minimum, by both , the transmission of horizontal movement from the ground, during a seismic event, to the structure. A liberal interlock and a damping system independent of and / or in combination with the basement insulation system of the 507 patent may be employed. The releasable interlock system normally ensures the structure at its foundations against linear displacements, but has an automatic release mechanism which responds to forces above a predetermined threshold level, such as that which may be produced by a seismic disturbance, to automatically unblock the structure and allow it to "float", supported by the basement insulation system. The damping subsystem employs hydraulically interconnected dampers, arranged as one or more pairs, each pair of which in addition to providing adequate damping to the relative linear displacements, prevents the action of the forces tending to produce relative rotation between the isolated structure and the elements fixed to the ground, transforms the forces that tend to produce relative horizontal rotation, between the structure and its function, to dampen the linear displacement between them in a direction parallel to the direction of the damping mechanism. The dampers of each pair are mechanically connected in respectively inverted relation, and on the corresponding opposite sides of the structure and its foundation (or other support fixedly fixed to the ground). As a practical and preferable matter, such pairs of correspondingly related buffers are connected to the corresponding orthogonally opposed opposing foundation mounts, to dampen the linear displacement of the structure in the corresponding orthogonal directions. Each of the dampers comprises a hydraulic cylinder having a piston that defines the corresponding sub-chambers therein, the sub-chambers of the damper are interconnected through the corresponding hydraulic lines with the respective sub-chambers of the other pair of associated dampers. The piston moves against the pressure of hydraulic fluid contained in the shock absorber, by the forces that result from a seismic disturbance and that tend to produce relative movement. - Between the structure and its foundation walls, the forces are coupled through the connecting rod from the piston to the piston. Any tendency of the structure to rotate, in relation to the foundation walls, produces opposite rotational forces through the interconnected dampers; in this way, only the relative muffled lateral displacement between the structure and the foundation walls is allowed to occur. In this way, a single pair of shock absorbers serves both to prevent relative rotation and also to allow relative lateral displacement, in a direction parallel to the parallel-axial orientation of the dampers. US Patent No. 5,152,110 of the present inventor (hereinafter "the dlO patent") describes such improved damping systems employing "L-shaped" hydraulic dampers, which provide a parallel hydraulic force, displacement or transformation to perpendicular. Each damper is again of a double chamber configuration, the adjacent chambers of the L-shaped dampers are directly hydraulically connected and the remote sub-chambers are hydraulically connected through a conduit with a valve; The valve is adjustable, so that the desired damping level can be set. A pair of two associated L-shaped dampers, mechanically interconnected, provide the relative speed transformation force / function necessary for the aforementioned desired damping, with the direct and precise control of the impeded relative rotation. The descriptions of the '507 and' 110 patents are expressly incorporated herein by reference and effectively as each is believed were directly incorporated herein in their entirety. The system and the improvements described in the '5d and' I 'patents: * have proven to be highly effective, as set forth in a publication by Foutch et al., "Investigation of a Seismic Basis Isolation System, Based on the Pendular Action ", CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDIES, Structural Research Series No. 578, August 1993, UILU-ENG-93-2001, ISSN: 0069-4274, reports on the tests conducted by the authors, including the inventor of the present, in the Department, c Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Cha paign, Urbana, Illionis, whose copy of the same was presented with the present and was incorporated here. There is still a continuing need for improvements in such systems to increase their effectiveness and to expand the range of applications in which they can be used, while simplifying the implementation of them as well. For example, it is highly desirable to be able to adapt the principles of some basement insulation systems to provide protection to machines, such as a printing press, against seismic disturbances, wherein the printing press is to be installed and operated in a pre-existing building without, or inadequate, seismic protection; it is also desirable to be able to extend the support structure to accommodate larger, or additional, related equipment without having to modify the basement insulation and damping support subsystems, both as a matter of convenience and to be sure; that a support structure would be provided -Hitaría or integrated. In other words, since it is necessary for the support structure to function as a unitary element when a floating condition of a bismic disturbance results, it is highly desirable that the support structure be adaptable to expand, so as to avoid the need to redesign basement insulation and damping systems. In addition, improvements are also required to apply the principles of basement insulation systems of prior patents to buildings of irregular or non-standard configuration (eg, an oblong building, which has a longitudinal dimension, which is substantially greater than a lateral, transverse dimension).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide improved basement insulation and damping systems to protect structures from the effects of seismic disturbances.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a basement insulation and damping system employing hydraulic damping elements having special mounting structures, which protect the hydraulic elements from the potential damage resulting from the forces acting on them in a transverse direction. to the axial direction of the hydraulically damped movement of the hydraulic damping elements. Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved basement insulation and damping system that provides a floating support of a structural element within an insulated or non-insulated housing structure. Still another object of the invention is to provide a floater support of the basement insulation type for a support plate on which the machinery is mounted and which is further stabilized by means of a damping subsystem to thereby protect such a plate. of support, and in this way, the machinery mounted on it against damage by seismic disturbances. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a floating support of the pendulum type, improved for the basement insulation but also incorporating in it damping or energy dissipation elements associated with the mobile components of the pendular system and which may include any of the damping and dissipation elements of viscous type energy, friction or hysteresis. A still further object of the invention is to provide a system for verifying the positions of the relative height of the basement insulation structure, so as to detect any misalignment conditions that have arisen, for example, due to the settlement of the foundations of the columns and, in addition, to allow the correction of any such detected misalignments or other conditions of instability. It is important, not only to avoid the development of excessive stresses, fractures or other adverse conditions in the isolated structure that could lead to a premature weakening and failure of the same during a seismic disturbance, but also to maintain the leveling requirements, fixed by the manufacturer , of the equipment supported on the structure isolated in the foundations. Still another object of the present invention is to protect. against the mishandling of the damping system and particularly with the control of damping valves through the use of hole seals, instead of the valves, in the hydraulic lines and fixing the required flow rate of the hydraulic fluid in accordance with the desired damping characteristics.

Still another object of the present invention is the elongation, in one dimension, of the structure supported by the insulation and damping system of the invention, without modifying it. 7-.ur.system insulation and damping system of the present invention is described here to provide seismic protection to a structure (eg, a plate) on which is mounted expensive equipment such as a printing press of high speed, it should be appreciated that the system has a broad application capability and, for example, can be used to protect an entire structure, or building, as described in the inventor's patents referred to above; furthermore, each of the pendulum-type basement insulation subsystems and the damping subsystem can be used independently of one another and, in place, respectively with different basement damping and insulation subsystems. According to the present invention, the basement insulation system comprises a support structure assembly of a plurality of vertical support columns arranged in a pair of parallel (longitudinal) rows and secured to the ground (eg, such as piles). The respective vertical support columns of the parallel rows are placed in pairs, in separate relation. ; longitudinal support beams interconnect the respective columns of each row and transverse (or lateral) support beams extend between and interconnect the pairs of columns of the parallel rows. A support plate is placed between the parallel rows of vertical support column and the associated longitudinally extending support beams, and to extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction with the parallel longitudinal edges of the plate, separated from the columns. at a distance at least as large as, but not significantly exceeding, the probable distance of lateral displacement, or relative displacement of the plate in the case of a seismic disturbance. The elongated pendulums, for example, solid core steel rods or heavy ropes, are arranged at the upper ends thereof to the upper portions of the vertical support columns and at the lower ends thereof to the plate, providing a pendulum-type suspension of the plate of the vertical support columns. The vertical support columns extend vertically above the plate at a distance at least greater than the required free suspension length of the pendulums (e.g., as defined in the '507 patent).

In a preferred embodiment hitherto, rods are used. "Solid-core steel having threaded upper ends, which are inserted through the support plates attached to the vertical columns and receive a nut thereon, the adjustment of the The nut is then made additional depending on the free end of the rod and the corresponding adjustment of the elevation of the plate, as defined by that rod.The lower end of each rod has a hemispherical configuration of a radius greater than that of the rod (i.e. the "hinge") which functions as a dry bearing surface and which is received in frictional engagement within the corresponding cavity secured in the plate in an associated position on the longitudinal edge of the plate. articulation moves within its corresponding cavity, so that the plate can float relatively towards, and thus be isolated from the support columns and the related support structures which are subject to movement due to seismic disturbances. As noted, friction coupling provides damping only after a relatively small displacement of the ends of the rods, supplementing the damping control provided by the hydraulic damping subsystem that is used with the basement insulation system.

More particularly, a hydraulic damping subsystem, substantially in accordance with the teachings of patents 507 and 110 above, connects the support plate to the vertical support columns of the support frame or otherwise to the ground. I: hydraulic damping subsystem, in addition to providing adequate damping to linear relative displacements, prevents the action of forces that tend to produce relative rotation between the isolated structure and the elements fixed to the ground, as discussed above. The damping subsystem of the present invention, furthermore, employs assemblies that provide rotating and / or sliding connections between the hydraulic master buffers and one or both of the plate elements and the supporting frame to provide freedom of movement between them in the directions necessary to isolate the piston rods of the shock absorbers from the forces that could act with a component perpendicular to the axial direction of the movement of the piston rod. In particular, a typical hydraulic shock absorber has a hydraulic chamber within which a piston moves in an axial direction, the piston has a head inside the chamber and a piston rod extending therefrom, in axial alignment with the piston. camera axis. The present invention provides the mounting of each damper, connected between the plate and the support frame (ie, the support columns and associated support beams) to have movement freedom in the directions r perpendicular to the axis of alignment of the piston rod in the shock absorber chamber. The freedom of movement dictates that any force having a component transverse to the axial direction prevents axial movement of the piston rod in relation to the buffer chamber, thereby altering the damping characteristics and, in the worst case scenario, the damping characteristics. cases of permanent bending and thus damage to the piston rod and destroy the damping function. In a preferred embodiment, the support plate of or machinery is suspended by the system of the pendular-type base-isolation support, with at least the longitudinally opposite (ie longer) parallel edges of the rectangular plate placed in parallel relation and closely spaced to correspond to 0 the supporting-parallel elements of the structure of the non-insulated support frame (or optionally a more isolated one). In this way a space is defined between the longitudinal edges of the plate and the corresponding longitudinally extending support walls, the space is of one dimension, in the transverse lateral direction in the longitudinal direction, of sufficient size to accommodate the maximum degree of potential lateral movement of the plate, in relation to the supporting elements, resulting from a maximum seismic disturbance. While the supporting ends of the plate do not have supporting frame elements surrounding them, whereby the plate can extend (i.e., elongate) the system is designed to accommodate a longitudinal movement of potential, equal, maximum degree of plate and in this way the corresponding spaces are provided around the periphery of the plate in the longitudinal direction to accommodate the maximum degree of potential longitudinal movement of the plate, in relation to the support elements, resulting from a seismic disturbance. Coordinated pairs of L-shaped dampers are placed to encompass the space, in the positions of displacement along the length of the support plate, the first and second dampers of each pair are mechanically connected to the corresponding positions of the supporting plates along the respective opposite longitudinal first and second edges thereof. Each damper is connected in addition to the parallel support wall, the mechanical connection provides the freedom of movement described above in mutually orthogonal directions, commonly perpendicular to the damper damping axis. The dampers are further interconnected in the manner taught by the patents "110 and" 507 to transform the potential rotary motion of the bearing plate to translational movement (ie, longitudinal) parallel to the longitudinal edges of the support plate and corresponding parallel support walls of the support structure The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be clear with reference to the accompanying drawings 1.0, in which similar reference numerals refer to like parts of the whole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a cross-sectional elevational and schematic view of a structure and the related support foundation incorporating a structure stabilization system according to the patents mentioned above, but incorporating a damping element and improved transformation; Figure 2 is a fragmentary view, partially in cross section, of a pair of damping and transformation units and their respective interconnections between a structure and its foundations according to .15 a first embodiment of the present invention; Figures 3A-3C are first and second views in lateral and plan elevation of an L-shaped damper, Figure 3F is an elongated schematic illustration of an orifice plug assembly employed in the damper * - and Figures 3E and 3F are cross-sectional views of the orifice plug, respectively, taken in a plane along line 3E-3E and in a plane along line 3F-3F in Figure 3F, and, in addition, Figures 3G'and 3H respectively, are an elevation view of the exploded view and an end view of a clamp or fork assembly Z Z Z.. z zr = _ _? L-'ij 'r? 4 is a view in elevation. : .- **;: .-:?. extreme, schematic, of a non-insulated construction structure (support frame) that incorporates a load-bearing plate and a pendulum-type basement insulation and the hydraulic damping system for the plate; Figure 5 is a schematic, partly cross-sectional, plan view of the structure of the support frame and the plate of Figure 4, including further details of the hydraulic damping system according to the present invention; Figure 6 is a schematic elevation view, partially in cross section, in the plane along line 6-6 of Figure 5; Figures 7A, 7B and 7C are elevational, schematic, partially cross-sectional views of the structure of the support frame and the plate in the respective planes taken along the lines 7A-7A, 7B-7B and 7C- ~ in Figure 5; Figure 8A is a fragmentary view of an upper portion of a vertical support column and the associated side and diagonal support beams that support the upper ends of the pendulum rods of the basement insulation system of the invention; Figure 8B is a fragmented, elongated view in the upper end portion of the structure shown in Figure 8A; Figure 8C is an enlarged fragmentary view of the connection of the lower end of a support on a corresponding flange portion of the plate; Figures 9A, 9B and 9C are fragmentary and cross-sectional views of an assembly and connection of connecting connection associated with a first damping and transformation unit, Figures 9A and 9B are plan views and in vertical cross section, and the Figure 9C is an enlargement of a portion of Figure 9B, respectively; Figure 10A is a fragmentary plan view, and Figure 10B is a fragmentary side elevational view, both partially in cross section and on an enlarged scale, of the damping and transformation unit of the first type, associated with assembly and the connection assembly of Figures 9A-9C; Figure HA is a fragmentary plan view, and Figures 11B and 11C are views in elevation from one end and side, respectively, all of them partially in cross-section and on an enlarged scale, of the damping and transformation unit of the second type of Figure 5 and the assembly associated with it. Figure 12A is a fragmentary, plan view, and Figures 12B and 12C are elevational views of one end and side respectively, all partially in cross-section and on an enlarged scale, of an alternative embodiment, of a damping unit and transformation of the second type shown in Figure 5 and an associated assembly; Figure 13 is a schematic of a detector system for verifying the positions of the relative height, and any difference of vertical displacements, in the separated positions along the plate in which the pendulum-type support rods are connected; Figure 14 illustrates the placement of the individual detector in each of the support positions as indicated in Figure 13; Figure 15 are diagrams of force displacement of the suspended plate, based on the measurements recorded during the physical tests; Figure 16 is a diagram of speed in relation to the damping force, which represents the results of testing large displacements of the plate that produce high speeds, in relation to the damping forces provided by the system; and Figure 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a shock absorber having application to stabilization systems as described herein and also in the patents 4,860,507 and 5,152,110 referred to above.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Now reference will be made in detail to the accompanying drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present invention and in which similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements therethrough. Figure 1 illustrates, in schematic form, a structure 1, for example, a building, having an associated foundation 2 comprising a horizontal basement floor 3 and vertical foundation walls 4. The floors 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the structure 1 are individually connected to and supported by a plurality of vertical support columns 10, the outer vertical surfaces of the structure 1 are enclosed by the walls lia and the glass panels l. The support columns 10 are supported in suspension at their respective lower ends by the corresponding basements., which together, comprise a basement insulation system, which minimizes the transmission of the horizontal movement of the ground (and, thus, the foundations 2) to the structure 1, in the case of a seismic disturbance. Indeed, the basement insulation system allows structure 1 to "float" with respect to its foundations 2, after a seismic disturbance exceeding acceptable limits occurs, as discussed hereinafter. The hydraulic damping and transforming systems 30, 32 are placed in opposite places, connected to the corresponding opposite parallel walls 4 of the foundation 2 of the integrated recessed supports 40 and 46, respectively, and by the struts 42 and 44, respectively, to the floor 5 and therefore to the structure 1. Several pairs of damping and transforming systems 30, 32 can be placed along each of the two pairs of opposite parallel walls of a typical (rectangular) building structure 1 and Related foundations Figure 2 illustrates a preferred form of the damping and transforming systems 30, 32 of Figure 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, in Figure 2, the first and second damping and transforming units 30 and 32 are related as a pair, connected in a relatively inverse relationship (i.e., oriented in the opposite direction) between the structure 1 (represented by the floor segments 5) by the respective struts 42 and 44 and the corresponding opposing foundation walls 4 by the respective integrated recessed supports 40 and 44. The units 30 and 32 comprise "L-shaped" double hydraulic shock absorbers having a first chamber 62 (82) parallel to the associated foundation wall 4 and a second chamber 64 (84) oriented perpendicularly to the first chamber '62 (82) and the corresponding wall 4, and axially aligned with the second chamber (perpendicular) 84 of the second one associated shock absorber unit 32 of the pair. A piston 70 includes a head 72 which moves in sealed relation to the corresponding cylindrical inner side wall of the parallel chamber 62, which defines therein a first (adjacent) sub-chamber 62a and a second (remote) sub-chamber 62b. The second chamber (perpendicular) 64 likewise receives a piston 74 having a head 76 received in sealed engagement, latchable therein and defines a first (adjacent) sub-chamber 64a and a second (remote) sub-chamber 64b. The housing 61 of the damper 60 includes a conduit 79 which interconnects the adjacent sub-chambers 62b and ß4b so that they effectively function as a single L-shaped damper. The remote chambers 62b and 64b are interconnected by a conduit 66 that includes a throttle stopper. orifice ("O?") 63 therein, which is selected, as a cross-sectional area, to provide the appropriate level of hydraulic fluid flow therethrough and thus between the remote chambers 62b and 64b upon movement of the piston 70, consistent with the desired damping characteristics. The orifice seals are preferably adjustable valves, since they are not susceptible to being misaligned by unauthorized personnel - although, however, they are easily replaceable to alter the flow rate and thus adjust the damping characteristics. In general, the level of damping is determined according to the known requirements in relation to the parameters of the structure to be protected and the spectrum of official regulation for the (geographical) environment of a given building and other related factors, as explained more fully in the '110 and 507 patents. The degree of damped linear motion allowed by units 30 and 32 is a function of the chosen fraction of the critical damping to be provided for these, in relation to the amount of damping provided by the basement insulation system, under the effects of an earthquake, all as discussed below. The mechanisms 30 and 32 are interconnected by means of a shaft 98 connected through the connections 99a and 99b to the piston rods 77 and 87, respectively. Depending on the degree of damping to be provided by units 30 and 32, the latter can transfer essentially little or no force through the connecting shaft 98 (depending on the expected damping forces and the probability of eccentricity between the forces resulting from those damping and the center of gravity of the isolated mass of the supported structure), but allow the displacement of the axis 98 in relation to the units 30 and 32 and in this way the corresponding displacements i of the pistons interconnected by these inside the chambers (perpendicular) respective 64 and 84.

On the contrary, in the absence of an earthquake and while the structure remains motionless against linear relative displacement by the disconnection devices (see device 20 in Figure 1), the torsional movement resulting from an eccentric horizontal force applied to the structure (as produced, for example by the effects of wind on a building) is prevented. In this way, the mechanisms 30 and 32 can transfer a force through the interconnection axis 98, which is a function of the movement caused by the eccentric force and also the distance between the piston rods and the connections thereof with the element. fixed to the ground, that is to say, the integral embedded supports 40 and 44, for each pair of shock absorbers. 1 L The "L-shaped" shock absorbers 30 and 32 thus function to transform a force or displacement having a direction parallel to the associated foundation wall 4 to a corresponding force or displacement perpendicular thereto and to effect the transformation 3 Inverse also, hydraulically within each of the double chamber shock absorber structures. This allows a convenient mechanical interconnection, such as by shaft 93, of the associated dampers of a pair to thereby effect the function required to prevent rotation or SD turn of structure 1 in relation to foundation substrate, that is, keep h? + H2 = constant. As noted above, the proper selection of the shutter of a building, in addition, allows an individual and selective adjustment of the desired level of damping of lateral movement (d of the structure, in relation to the foundations, in a very direct and precise way The appropriate diameter of the obturator orifice is determined empirically in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are views in left elevation and right elevation, respectively, of a buffer 32 'esenting a Practical embodiment of the L-shaped damper 32a shown in Figure 2, the common elements are shown by identical, but premium, numerical references In this practical embodiment, the housing 61 'includes the cameras 62' and 64 ', which are hydraulically interconnected and mechanically joined at right angles and thus in an L-shaped configuration by a corner connector 65. E The connector 65 has a central hole 67 therein; an annular flange 69 positioned centrally within the bore 67 that functions as a bearing seat for a bearing 71. A building shutter assembly 68 'is positioned in the center of the hydraulic conduit 66 joining the remote sub-chambers of the damper. The orifice plug assembly 68 'is shown in an amplified view in Figure 3D and in a first cross-sectional view in Figure 3E, in a plane taken along the line 3E-3E in Figure 3D perpendicular to the shaft of the shutter assembly and, in addition, in a longitudinal cross-sectional view in Figure 3F, themed in a plane along the line 3F-3F in Figure 3E. In Figure 3D, the shutter assembly 68 'has a central bore 68a having an inner, annular, threaded flange 63al therein, in which the orifice plug 75 is threaded, and an internal threaded portion 68a2 at the open end of same, which receives the threaded plug 75 to seal the assembly. The building shutter 75, as seen in Figures 3E and 3F, has a hexagonal cavity 75a at a first end thereof to receive a key by means of a cavity to be threaded tightly into the internal, annular, threaded flange 68a of the assembly 68 ', on an axial perforation located in the center, a precision, 75b connects the cavity 75a to an elongated perforation 75c, which extends towards the opposite end of the obturator 75. The lateral gates 68a-3 connect the conduit 66a to perforation 75c and gate 68b connects conduit 66b to perforation 75c. The central perforation 75b has a selected diameter to allow only a specific level of fluid passage therethrough, to thereby produce the desired damping effect. Figure 3G is an elevation view of the clearance of a clamp or fork assembly 53, which accommodates and anchors the corner 55 of the damper 32 'of Figures 3A-3F. The parallel straight walls 53a and 53b are joined by means of an integrated base / mount wall 53c and have respectively aligned, 53al and 53bl perforations therein. 011 cylindrical shaft 55 having a threaded end 55a, and an exposed shaft portion 55b and a bearing surface 55c is received through the perforations 53bl and 53al, until stopped by the head 55d; a cylindrical bearing 56 is received, in plugged form, through the bore 53al and coaxially on the shaft 55b, the end of the threaded shaft 55a projects through the bore 53a-l and is secured by means of a nut 57. Elements are thus mounted with the corner plate 55 to be placed first between the walls 53a and 53b and in such a way that the surface of the bearing 55b is received in the bearing 71. The clamp or fork assembly 53 thus provides the mounting 32 'Cylindrical Swivel, that is, to allow partial rotational movement thereof, about the common axis of the shaft 55 and the bearing 71. The bolt holes 53cl and 53c2 are provided for mounting the clamp or fork assembly 53 on a suitable surface, as shown in FIG. discuss later. Figures 4 and 5 are illustrations in elevation of an end and top plan, respectively, an uninsulated building / support structure 101, which incorporates therein a seat plate 200 supported in accordance with the system of isolation and damping of pendulum-type plinth of a second embodiment of the invention, but using the characteristics of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3. Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken in a plane along the line 6-6 in '1 - * - Figure 5. Figures 7A, 7B and 7C, moreover, are cross-sectional views of the plate 200 and segments of the longitudinal walls 180, 190 of the support structure 101, in the vertical planes taken at along lines 7A-7A, 7B-7B and 7C-7C, respectively, in Figure 5. It will be done L reference jointly to those figures in the following discussion of this second modality. The plate 200 can serve as a platform, or support, for the equipment to be protected against seismic disturbances. A practical embodiment of the invention, with L. "example, has been used in the building of a newspaper in Mexico City, Mexico to support and protect a commercial high-speed printing press Due to the generally elongated configuration of such printing presses, the plate of 200 support is so corresponding long and narrow and must be supported, not only to be isolated from movement under the conditions of a prolonged earthquake that can normally be expected in the relevant geographic region, but also so that the plate does not experience torsional movement, a 1 particularly critical feature in view of the long and narrow geometric configuration of the plate; Also, the plate must remain level for the proper operation of the printing press. In this way, the support of a base must accommodate a detector system to detect L the different changes in the level of the plate and a mechanism to correct any difference of the detected level. These conditions are especially important in an environment such as the one in Mexico City, Mexico, in which differential settlements are common. By For example, in that environment and for a basement insulation system supported on a pile system, as described here, different settlements of the piles can be expected, which can be reflected by the different height changes of the support columns.

J. vertical 140 and 150, up to 2 cm. The need for correction is critical, especially for the specific modality of 'supporting the high-speed, commercial printing press, for which the manufacturer specifies a maximum height difference of the support structure of 0.003. "It should be noted in this respect that the building, in which the plate has the equipment on it is supported in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention, instead (or in addition) can by itself be protected through a basement insulation and damping system as in the preceding embodiment of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, an uninsulated building 101, or at least a portion of the support frame thereof, was constructed on conventional piles 100, 110 arranged in a conventional manner, in parallel rows separated laterally, extending in a first direction (for example, longitudinally) of the structure to be supported. n 120, 130 (Figure 4) extend longitudinally along parallel rows and are supported by the piles 100, 110, respectively. The lateral support beams 115 extend transversely between, and are rigidly connected at their opposite ends to separate, parallel longitudinal support beams, 120, 130. A concrete plate floor 112 is then formed on and is supported by the beams of support 115, 120, 130, in conventional manner. The separate, parallel rows of vertical support columns in pairs 140 and 150, which can be made of steel reinforced concrete, are supported on the lower ends thereof on beams 120 and 130, respectively, and are connected in the upper ends thereof by lateral (ie, transverse) roof beams 125 typically I-shaped steel beams.

As seen better in Figure 5, the vertical support columns 140 of Figure 4 represent one embodiment of such columns 140a, 140b, 140c, ..., 140n separated along a first longitudinal side of the structure 101. and the vertical support columns 150 of Figure 4 equally correspond to a plurality of such columns 150a, 150b, 150c, ..., 150n placed in spaced relation along a second longitudinal edge of the structure of the building 101 in paired relationship with the columns 140a, 140b, 140c, ..., 140n, respectively. A first longitudinal wall 180 is supported on the vertical support columns 140 and a second longitudinal, parallel wall 190 is supported on the vertical support columns 150 along the second longitudinal edge of the building 101. The walls 180, 190 may be extending to the 112th floor and, further, may include access openings for entering and exiting through them, between the area under the plate 200 and areas within the structure of the building 101 on opposite sides of the walls 180, 190. In the installation for the printing press, to which reference was made above, the space under the plate 200 was used to park a car. The reinforced concrete support plate 200 is maintained in an elevated position within the structure 101 B by means of a pendular-type basement isolation system comprising a first plurality of pendular supports 260 and a second plurality of pendular supports 270 (only one of each in Figure 4 shown), connected at the upper ends of them to a plurality of vertical support columns 14u and 150, respectively, and at the lower ends thereof at spaced apart portions along the respective opposite longitudinal edges of the support plate 200. For the example illustrated herein, it is expected that two maximum orthogonal components (that is, the X and Y components) of the relative horizontal displacements resulting from a maximum seismic disturbance are close to 10 inches. In this way, a space 14 inches wide was established around the entire periphery of the plate 200 to the surrounding elements (ie, the columns 140 and 150 as well as the walls 180 and 190, etc. of the structure 101) to allow such maximum horizontal displacement of the plate 200. As best seen in the plan view of Figure 5, the plate 200 has parallel longitudinal edges 202, 204, which include indentations, or successive cavities, 202b, 202c,. .. and 204b, 204c ..., which were placed symmetrically around and spaced from the respective support columns 140b, 140c, ... and 150b, 150c, so that substantially the same spacing (14 inches) as between the inner surfaces of the ISO walls, 190 and the longitudinal edges 202, 204 of the plate 230. The plate 200 as shown in greater detail in Figures 5-7, was made of reinforced concrete to include reinforcement beams monolithically integrated from a Similar material r. The integrated support beams include longitudinal external support beams 220 and 230, internal support beams 222 and 232 and a plurality of transverse support beams 215a, 215b, 215c, ... 215n, which extend between and integrally interconnected to the external and internal longitudinal support beams 220, 230 and 222, 232. In addition to being designed to withstand the vertical load of the equipment placed on it, the plate is also designed to have a considerable rigidity to minimize the different vertical displacements. The plate is also designed to have a mass much greater than that of the object mounted on it, so that the plate, including the equipment, can be considered as a unitary rigid body for dynamic analysis purposes. The large mass also helps to minimize vibration, which could result from the regular operation of the equipment when it is suddenly started or stopped, at an imperceptible level.

The plate 200, furthermore, is reinforced in the pairs of corner portions 202bl and 202b2, 202cl and 202c2 ... along the first longitudinal edge and the corner portions 204bl and 204b2, 204cl and 204c2, ... a along the second longitudinal edge adjacent the respective cavities therein, and thus relatively symmetrically to the respective support columns, to receive the distal (ie, lower) ends of the pendulums 252, 272 of the associated pendulum supports 260, 270 (Figure 4) as described below. As illustrated schematically in Figure 4, the transverse steel beams 250 extend between, and are connected at their respective opposite ends to the corresponding pairs of vertical support columns 140 and 150 at an intermediate height position of the supporting columns. respective verticals 140, 150. These pendular support systems 260, 270 are secured to the joints, or interconnections, of the respective, opposite ends of each transverse beam 250 and the associated vertical support columns 140 and 150 (only shown) one such beams 250 and associated pair of the vertical support columns 140 and 150 in Figure 4). Each pendulum support system 260 (270) includes a pair of pendulum suspension rods 262-1 and 262-2 (272-1 and 272-2); only one such pendulum rods 262 (272) of the pair thereof for each system 26C (270) is illustrated in Figure 4, extending and the distal end thereof is received in the corresponding reinforced corner connection portion. , on the plate 200, along the respective longitudinal edge 202 (204). As shown in Figure 5, those connection portions are formed in the reinforced corner portions of the cavities at the longitudinal edges of the plate 200 adjacent to the respective support columns - for example, in the reinforced corner portions 202bl and 202b2 of the cavities 202b adjacent to the column 140b. Figures 8A to 8C illustrate a representative cross-steel beam 250 and its interconnection, at one end, to the corresponding vertical support column 140. The diagonal support bars 264-1 and 264-2 extend symmetrically from beam 250 to the longitudinal support beam 142 (Figure 8A). A pair of pendulum rods 262-1 and 262-1 extend from the bars 264-1 and 264-2 downwards, in symmetrically separated and parallel relationship. As best seen in Figures 8A and 8B, the pendulum rods 262-1 and 262-2 are identical and each may comprise a steel rod with a diameter of 4 inches. With reference to the rod 262-2, a perforated settlement plate 265-2 is received on the diagonal support beam 264-2 and the upper threaded end of the rod 262-2 is inserted therethrough and held in position by half of a nut 266-2. The lower, opposite end of the rod 262-2 (Figure 8C) extends through an opening in a lower seating plate 267-2 and is of a hemispherical, elongated shape having a radius greater than of the rod and forming a so-called "hinge", which is received in a cavity 268-2 which has an internal coupling configuration and therefore rotatably interconnects the rod to the plate 200. The assembled surfaces are preferably designed to function as a friction damper and thus to produce a part of the damping of the linear movement of the plate in relation to the rods '.1 pendulum support (and, correspondingly, support frame and earth) in the case of a seismic disturbance. The pendulum support systems 260, 270 are designed to have the appropriate pendulum arm length 0 considering the characteristics of the relevant geographical area. As taught in the above patents, the pendulum length should be proportional to at least one natural period 2.5 times greater than the expected dominant period of the soil. By providing this and with the addition of appropriate damping, most cases of horizontal acceleration produced by a seismic disturbance can be reduced by approximately 90d. To facilitate initial assembly and also for later adjustment purposes, the upper threaded ends of the pendulum support rods can be coupled and raised, in relation to one of the associated pendular support systems 260, 270; the top mechanical nuts, such as 266-2, can then. to be driven in rotation to the appropriate degree, to thereby raise or lower the associated rod in relation to the support systems 260, 270 and correspondingly to raise or lower the plate in the portion supported on the lower distal end of the plate. dipstick. In addition, and as discussed hereinafter, the present invention is provided to verify the level of the plate suspended at the positions along the edges thereof in which the lower distal ends of the rods are connected to detect the different vertical displacements that could be caused by different settlements of the foundations on which the support columns are mounted. Any detected height differences are then corrected by rotating the nuts and thereby adjusting the relative heights of the associated pendulum rods, in the manner described.

The damping system 300 is preferably located substantially entirely on the underside (i.e., below the bottom surface of) of the plate 200 and comprises a first system 310 having the mirror-image subsystems 310A and 310B and a second system 320 having specular image subsystems 320A and 320B. As in the systems of the prior patents, the first system 310 functions as an orthogonal system in relation to the second system 320, even though both are connected only to the longitudinal edges of the plate and anchored correspondingly to the earth only along of the supports of the longitudinal foundations. The reason for this is to allow the plate 200 to increase in length in the future, for example, to accommodate a future or additional installation, or larger equipment. This capability is provided by the strategic placement and assembly of the L-shaped dampers of the hydraulic damping and force transformation system and the associated mounting structures thereof, according to the invention, which prevents any transverse forces from acting. on the piston rods of the hydraulic shock absorbers which could tend to bend or otherwise distort or damage them and therefore prevent or destroy the operating capacity of the damping subsystem.

Since the subsystems 310A and 310B are substantially identical, only the subsystem 310A is described in detail in the following. The subsystem 310A includes a first support assembly 311A connected to the support structure of the frame 101, illustratively to the wall 180. A side connection link 312A extends from the support assembly 311A and is coupled through a connector assembly of through hole 313A, extending through the structural support beam 220, to a first piston rod (transverse, or lateral) of a hydraulic damping and transformer unit in the form of L 314A, which is mounted securely to plate 200; a second piston rod (longitudinal) of the unit 314A is then coupled to a longitudinal link 315A, which extends through the bearings in the transverse beams 215A, 215B, ... substantially all along the plate 200 , to a piston rod (longitudinal) of a hydraulic equalization and damping unit in the form of equal L, a second piston rod (lateral, or transverse) is connected through a lateral link 317A, in turn, coupled to through a through hole connector assembly 318A, which extends through the longitudinal, external support beam, 230, and into a second hydraulic damper and support mount 319A connected to the opposite wall 190. The subsystem 310B is in image ratio to the mirror with the subsystem 310A and includes respective corresponding elements 311B through 319B. In Figure 5, the second system 320, as was done not * 3r, includes mirror image subsystems 320A and 320B which are identical, except for their location and mirror image orientations, and are thus described in detail solely in relation to subsystem 320A. A first support 321A is fixed to the wall 180; connected thereto is a longitudinal piston rod of an L-shaped shock absorber and the force transformation unit 322A which is connected to the plate 200 and which has a second piston rod (transverse, or lateral) connected to it. a lateral link 323A. A second L-shaped damping and transforming unit 324A, mounted to the opposite longitudinal edge of the plate 200, includes a side piston rod connected to the link 323A and a longitudinal piston rod connected to a second support 325A. The subsystem 320B includes respective corresponding elements 321B-329B. Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken in a longitudinal plane in line 6-6 in Figure 5. Figure 6 illustrates schematically the subsystem 310A, including the longitudinal link 315A interconnecting the buffer unit 314A to the left of the figure to the damping unit 316A to the right of the figure and also, to the left of the figure, illustrates the vertically separated damping unit 314B of the subsystem to the mirror 310B. Figures 7A, 7B and 7C are vertical cross-sectional views taken in the planes along lines 7A-7A, 7B-7B and 7C-7C, respectively, in Figure 5. Figure 7A thus shows the laterally extending portions (transversally) of the subsystems related to the mirror 310A and 310B and, particularly, illustrates somewhat more clearly the vertical displacement of the subsystems 310A and 310B, described above. Further, proceeding from Figure 7A to Figure 7C, it can be seen that the system 310a extends from the wall 180 (at the left end of Figure 5) laterally towards the wall 190 (at the far right of Figure 5). The subsystem 310B, as an image to the mirror, proceeds in the opposite direction of Figure 7A to 7C. As explained in relation to Figures 9A-11C, below, the support mounts, which connect the different damping and transformation units to either the plate or the wall, are designed to allow vertical, lateral movement to occur. and relative longitudinal between the plate 200 and the supports 180, 190, without giving any resulting damaging forces acting on the damping and transforming units and, particularly on the piston rods thereof, which could cause bending and / or damage to the they are preventing the proper operation of the system. As will be clear from the following discussion, the system, in addition to providing adequate damping to relative linear displacements, includes the action of forces that tend to produce relative rotation between the isolated structure and the elements fixed to the ground, and from this mode the movement of the plate 200 in relation to the vertical support columns 140, 150 and the related walls 180, 190; in this respect the 14-inch space surrounding plate 200 is designed to allow the estimated maximum degree of relative movement in each of those orthogonal directions; the associated supports must also accommodate this degree of freedom of movement. Figures 9A and 9B are vertical and planar cross-sectional views, the latter corresponds to a left-hand portion of Figure 7A and the first corresponds to the amplification of the plan view of the support assembly 311B, the link 312B and the Through hole mounting 313B. Figure 9C is an amplification of the support assembly 311B. In the three figures, a portion of the concrete wall 190 is evident, Figures 9A and 9B also illustrate segments of the perimeter support rod 230 (which, in the view of Figure 5, is below but is integrated to the horizontal plate 200). The support assembly 311B comprises a cylindrical shaft 350 mounted by a particle of clamps 352 at the opposite ends thereof to be separated but parallel to the wall 190. A connecting clamp 354 is supported by a bearing 355 on the shaft 350 and is free to move axially along this and to rotate around it. The link 312B includes a first portion 312B-1, which is connected at one end to the bracket 354 and extends through a through hole connector assembly 313B and a through hole 230-1 in the beam 230, which is extends through the opposite side thereof, and a second portion 312 B-2 connected by several (different) connections 312B-3 to the first portion 312B-1. The connector assembly 313B includes a first portion 313B-1 'and a second portion 313B-2 on the external and internal side walls, respectively, of the beam 230; although different in size and proportions are effectively the same in structure and function; consequently, only unit 313B-1 will be described in detail. A cylindrical bearing 360 is received on the cylindrical link portion 312B-1; a supporting arm particle 361, 362 are rotatably connected to the first ends of the bearing 360 and the second ends to the respective clamps 363, 364 in turn connected to the beam 230. The rotating connection support assembly combination 311B together with the rotary connectors 313B-1 and 3133-2, allows both free vertical and longitudinal displacements of the beam 230 and the wall 190 supporting at the same time the 312B-1 link, to ensure the unrestricted axial movement thereof in response to the lateral differential displacement of the life 230 and the wall 190. As noted above, the axial sliding of the clamp 354 by virtue of the bearing 355 on the shaft 350 allows the required 14 inches of movement, in any longitudinal direction, of the beam 230 in relation to the wall 190; furthermore, the piston, or rotation, freedom of the bracket assemblies 311B and 313B-1, 313B-2, and the axial freedom of the latter allow vertical differential displacement of typically less than one inch. Figures 10A and 10B illustrate plan views and vertical elevation of the L-shaped shock absorber 314A, which interconnects the links 312A and 315A to give the force and / or shift transformation of the lateral and longitudinal and reverse directions; as will be readily understood, the damper 314B (Figure 5) is the mirror image of the shock absorber 314A and could be connected directly to the link 313B-2 in Figures 9A to 9C. The shock absorber 314A is mounted by the associated bracket or fork assembly 263, shown in Figure 3B, to a bracket 370 which in turn is connected to a vertical side wall of a lateral support beam 215 of the plate 200 (FIG. 5) . Figure 10B further illustrates a bracket 372, which is fixed to the lower (horizontal) surface of the plate 200 to provide vertical suspension support to the shock absorber 314A. The shock absorber and transformer unit 314A and the assemblies thereof as shown in Figures 10A and 10B are the same as those used for the corresponding units 314B, 316A and 316B (see Figure 5). Furthermore, it should be understood that the damper and transformation units, in addition to providing adequate damping to the relative linear displacements, prevent the action of the forces tending to produce relative rotation between the isolated structure and the fixed elements to the ground. Figures HA, 11B and 11C 'illustrate the damping and transformation unit 324B with its associated support assembly 325B as seen schematically in the left portion of Figure 7B, in vertical cross section corresponding to Figure 11B. The integral beam 230 of the plate 200 is shown in Figures HA and 11B; however, the wall 190 in Figure 11B was deleted from Figure HA for clarity of illustration. Figure 5 illustrates a portion of the plate 200, but not of the beam 230 or the wall 190. Furthermore, in Figure HA, the unit 324B is schematically indicated by the clamp or fork assembly 63 by it to the plate. 200 which, of course, is integrated to the beam 230. In Figure HA, the support assembly 325B includes an extension arm 390 secured by a pair of bearings 392 to a rod 393, the rod 393 is hinged at its ends opposed to respective clamps 394 secured to the beam 230. The bearings 392 allow the rotational, or rotational movement, and axial sliding of the arms 390 in relation to the rod 393. In Figure 11B, the arms 390 are connected to a rotating connection 396 secured by the bearing 397 which is free to slide axially on a cylindrical shaft 398, mounted at its opposite ends to a clamp 399 in turn secured to the wall 190. (In Figure HA, the wall 190 was indicated. schematically connected to clamp arm 399 by the shaft 398). This composite arrangement allows freedom of movement for both relative height shifts between beam 230 (and thus plate 200) and wall 190 (and associated supports on the ground) as best seen in Figure 11B, and for the lateral displacements between the plate 200 and its associated beam 230, in relation to the wall 190, by the sliding movement of the clamp 397 on the shaft 398, and thus without imparting transverse forces on the piston dga of the damping mechanism in L shape 324B (as will be better appreciated in Figures HA and Lie) while allowing the different forces and / or longitudinal force (in any longitudinal direction) to be transported to the piston beam of shock absorber 324B. The L-shaped cushion 324B is mounted by clamp or fork assembly 402 and the clamp 404 to the plate 200. Figures 12A-12C provide a somewhat simplified alternative embodiment for mounting the unit 324B of the Figures HA-HC , identical parts are identified by identical numbers and similar parts are identified by identical numbers, but with premiums. Referring jointly to Figures 12A-12C, a pair of clamps 394 'are mounted on beam 230 and support the free ends of a pair of V-connected rods or rods 390' for rotational movement. The tip of the pair of rods or connecting rods in V 390 'is connected to a bearing 391, which is received on the piston beam 70'. The free end of the piston beam 70 'is articulated to a bearing 397', which is received on a rod 398 'connected at the ends opposite the support wall 190. As in the structure of the Figures HA-HC, this The support arrangement allows relative vertical displacement, such as between the plate 200 and the adjacent support wall 190, due to the rotatable mounting of the support arms 390 '(see Figure 12C) and by the relative, cushioned longitudinal movement between the plate 200 the support wall 190. An additional bracket 404 supports the unit 324B of the lower surface of the plate 200. It should be noted that the structure of Figures 12A-12C has fewer parts and a simpler construction in relation to that of the Figures HA-HC, although it provides the same functions. Figure 13 is a schematic of a detector system 500, which detects the different height variations in each pendulum support connecting piston on the plate 200. Particularly, the detectors 500-1, 500-2, 500-n are mounted in appropriate, respective detection locations, discussed below, adjacent to corresponding interconnection positions of the plate to the vertical support columns of the pendulum support system. The fluid conduit 501, which may be a copper tube or suitable reinforced hydraulic hose, extends around the perimeter of the support plate by effectively interconnecting in a fluid connection in series, all the sensing stations 500-1, 500- 2, ... 500-n.

Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of a detector station 500, representative of each of stations 500-1 to 500-n. A housing 510 is mounted in a manner abutting thereon a fluid T-shaped connection, ol2, having aligned connections 512a and 512b through which the perimeter of conduit 501 is connected and a transverse connection 512c to which it was connected. a glass test tube 514. The glass test tube 514 has a graduated scale 515 on it. A micrometer analogous to 520 (which could instead be digital) is mounted to housing 510, measuring probe 522 thereof extends axially inward of glass test tube 514. Mounting 150 supports micrometer 520 and the related hose connections on the housing 510. Particularly, a plate 552 is secured to the housing 510 and a threaded shaft 554 is secured above and below the plate 552 by a pair of nuts 555 and 556. Nuts 555 and 556 they can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to lower or raise the micrometer correspondingly to plate 552. Liquid mercury 530 is supplied to the system, filling the duct 501 and extending upwards in each anus of the glass test tubes 514. In this respect, the coupling units 512 are placed on the perimeter of the plate respective common elevations so that the mercury 530, which looks for a common level, has an exposed surface in approximately the same position copper the respective graduated scales 515 of all the test tubes 514, in all the respective detector stations 500 -1 to 500-n. A stainless steel cylinder of approximately V height is inserted into the tube 514, so that it floats on the mercury 530, the surface of the upper end provides a target surface for the 522 micrometer probe 520. The micrometer 520 is then adjusted in height , and is effectively calibrated, by turning the doors 555 and 556, to achieve a substantially identical height of the mercury, measured in relation to the 515 scale, in all stations. An electrical circuit is provided which includes a battery 542, a lamp or other alarm 544, a connector 546 and electrical contacts with the probe 522 and mercury 530 (none is shown) to establish a series circuit of those elements, when the Connector 546 is activated. The micrometer is then adjusted so that the probe 522 comes into contact with the float 524 to complete the series circuit, by which the alarm (lamp) 544 is activated. The position of the float in relation to the measured graduation 515 in this instant of contact is recorded and recorded then. The data of all the detector stations are feared and recorded in this way. (As an alternative, the probe 522 can be adjusted until contact is reached and the light / alarm 5-40 is activated, then the micrometer can be passed to the point where the light is deactivated, the measurement is made). It should be understood that changes in conditions, particularly ambient temperature, which affect all stations equally will result in a common variation in the measurements of all stations. On the other hand, the differences in the variations, as well as between one or more stations in relation to the others, is indicative of different settlements which must then be corrected. In a work-practice modality of the invention, the system is effective to detect deflections, or elevation differences, of just l / 1000ths of an inch (0.001 inches). Since this difference is detected and accurately measured, the necessary degree of adjustment of the pendular support in the affected detector station is likewise known; furthermore, the precise calibration the change in height difference produced by each rotation of the tip coupled on the distal end of the pendulum rod is also known. In consecuense, the rotation of the nut through a precise angle to correct the height difference produces a precise base to align the plate and maintain a uniform elevation through it. Preferably, a hydraulic jack is used to raise the rods associated with the stations in which a deflection difference was noticed and the mechanical nut on each rod involved is then rotated through a predetermined angle (e.g., in an implementation In practice, a 9 ° rotation provides a correction of 100ths of an inch in height) to correct the differential variation in the affected station. In an initial installation, the vertical support columns are preferably provided with an integrated, inwardly extending clamp, on which a steel plate is placed and the support plate is then loaded onto the steel plates and, in turn, they are supported on the clamps. Preferably, laser alignment devices are employed to ensure that the plate is in a flat condition at this juncture. The leveling system, preferably, is also already installed at this juncture. The equipment is then mounted on the plate, the measuring system is then overcome to detect any difference in height measurements. The plate is then raised slightly and the steel plates are removed, so that the plate is supported by the pendulum rods, and a final verification of the differences in height is made using the system, making any adjustments as necessary. The verification and adjustment system can also be implemented in any desired degree of semiautomatic or fully automatic arrangement. For example, the illustrated hand micrometers may be replaced by electrical proximity detectors, such as commercially available linear variable differential transducers. Such a proximity probe may be, for example, a Bentley-Nevada Catalog No. 210505-00-20-30-02 used with a conditioner, which may be a 7200 Series Bentley-Nevada Approver. As is well known, such probes employ a reflected laser beam to measure distance variations, such as ones that the 524 stainless steel float could experience as a result of different settlements and the corresponding variations in the height of the mercury in relation to the scale calibrated. Variations, or differences in distance can be sampled periodically under the control of a computer and compared. In a real implementation of the system of the invention, as described here above, several tests were conducted to evaluate the cooperative capacity and important characteristics of the system.

Force displacement tests were performed using a hydraulic jack coupled with a height-accurate digital manometer, to slowly move the suspended plate, successively, in the East-West and North-South directions. The forces were calculated from the pressure readings of the hydraulic jack. Force displacement measurements are shown in Figure 15, from which the following conclusions and data were derived: a. The Force Displacement diagram exhibits trilinear behavior of the system. b. The initial frictional force provided by the damping system in the sliding plates placed to cover the spaces at the ends of the plate is Fs = 830 Kg. C. The necessary horizontal force applied to the level of the plate to overcome the dynamic friction of the joints of the support lines is Fr = 6,600 Kg. D. The displacement of the plate suspended from the initial resting condition, at the moment when the dynamic friction of the joints is overcome under the previously indicated horizontal force, is x = 3.81 cm. and. The friction vibration constant of all 24 pendulum support rods (ie, in the actual system and as shown in Figure 5), as a whole, is Kb = 457 kg / cm.

F. The constant of vibration doi pendulum is Kp = 1280 kg / cm. g. The total weight of the system was verified by multiplying the length of the Rods (measured from the center of rotation of the joints) by the vibration constant of the pendulum, resulting in W = 1,198,080 Kg. Considering the average vertical load per rod, the length and diameter of the rod and the modulus of elasticity of the steel, a study was developed by means of numerical integration to verify the results indicated in the previous paragraphs "c" and "d". From these results, it was found that the coefficient of dynamic friction on the joints was p = 5.3%. Tests were also conducted to measure the displacement of the plate due to the torsional movement, involving the operation of the special L-shaped dampers, which, as noted above, provide damping of linear relative displacements that also prevent the action of the forces that tend to produce relative rotation (that is, the "anti-rotation system"). In particular, it is important to verify if the linear displacements at the north and south ends of the plate (ie, in the longest dimension), caused by a possible rotational movement, were those due exclusively to the elasticity of the components in the system damping. This was confirmed after applying a torsional moment of 91,900 Kg-M and determining that the linear displacements on the North and South ends of the plate were only about 0.9 cm, as expected. The damping force provided by the special dampers can be expressed as: F (t) = au (t) b where "a" and "b" are constants, experimentally determined by the actual implementation of the system of the invention have the values of 18,75 Kg.Sec./cm. and 1.77, respectively. These values were determined through the Force / Speed Damping test performed before the installation of the dampers, using different diameters for the holes in the shutters, resulting in the selection of holes of sufficient diameters to produce a force of damping, which, when added to the frictional damping forces of the pendulum support rod joints, provided a linear viscous damping of approximately 20% of the critical damping, for the suspended plate and the equipment mounted on it, the maximum expected relative speed, resulting from a maximum seismic disturbance.

Figure 16 shows the Speed diagram Relative-Damping Force that corresponds to the tri-linear case described in paragraph (b) below-a case in which displacements and high speeds have their main difference over dynamic responses. As illustrated in Figure 15, the insulation system can be: a. Bilinear for amplitudes less than 3.81 cm. of the historical value of Xg (horizontal displacement when there is no flexion of the rod). The damping force due to friction must be Fs = 830 kg. and the vibration constant must be the sum of that of the rods (Kb = 475 Kg / cm) and that of the pendulum (Kp = 1,230 Kg / cm), as shown on the "be" and "ef" lines of the Force Displacement practice of Figure 15; - and b. Trilinear in the case where the displacements indicated in the previous paragraph (a) are greater than 3.81 cm, as represented by the line "cd" of the graph of Figure 12, in which the vibration constant is that of the pendulum (Kp = 1,280 Kg / cm), and the damping forces caused by friction are the sum of those caused by the damping system and the steel plates used to cover the space or gap (Fs = 830 Kg), and that they must to the friction on the articulations of the rod (Fr = 6, 500 Kg). For the cases mentioned in the previous paragraph "a", the natural period is T = 5.32 sec. For those mentioned in the previous paragraph "b", the nonlinearity is reduced when the relative displacement increases what is known as the "secant" rigidity approaches the rigidity of the pendulum; also, the natural period (T = 6.1 sec) of the insulation system approximates that of a non-linear isolator of the paragraph, but only to specialists on seismic structural analysis. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that both periods are sufficiently high, compared to the dominant period mentioned (0.7 sec.) Of the soil, to provide effective isolation and damping. In addition, it should be clear that the potentially adverse effects of the non-linearity of the insulators' damping, with their special characteristics, will not adversely affect their expected effectiveness. The described system ensures that the printing press remains in operation even after a strong earthquake that could reasonably be expected. The easily adjusted damping action provides a damping level equivalent to 201 of the critical, eliminating almost the torsional movement at the same time. Another important feature of the system is that the effective length of the rods can be easily adjusted to eliminate height differences that could otherwise be caused by different foundation settlements and the adverse impact this could have on the basement insulation system. . Variations of this system can be implemented effectively for similar applications and for many types of ed.? in any geographical location in which large dominant periods, typical of the soil, have thus been eliminated for the practical use of conventional basement insulation systems; on the other hand, for places in which the dominant period is short, the system of the invention can be implemented in a more simplified version. Figure 17, moreover, illustrates an alternative embodiment of a buffer 600 suitable for use in the systems of the present invention and the North American patents 5,152,110 and 4,860,507 above, among others. In Figure 17, the shock absorber 600 comprises a cylindrical housing 610 secured by means of a clamp 612 to a superstructure, for example, the plate 200; a piston 614 inside it is connected to double piston rods 616a and 616b which travel through the respective ends of the enclosures 618a and 618b of the housing 610 in an axial, slidable direction. The hydraulic fluid within the anterior chambers 610a and 610b pass through a conduit 620 and an adjustable valve 622 to produce the damped linear movement of the piston 614 and its associated piston rods relative to the housing 610. The valve 622 can be adjustable selectively, or can accommodate a hole plug selected in accordance with the above descriptions, to adjust the damping level. The double piston rods 616a and 616b occupy corresponding volumetric quantities, in relation to the quantities of fluid within the chambers 610a and 610b, and thus maintain the same volume change of fluid on both sides of the piston for both directions of the pistons. linear displacements of the same. In the piston rod 616b (or an extension thereof) is connected to a free end thereof to a bearing 630 and receives, the slidable movement thereon, an additional bearing 640. The bearing 630 is received by the sliding movement axial, free on a rod 632 articulated at its opposite ends by the clamps 633, 634, to a clamp 636 mounted on a foundation wall 638 secured to the ground. The bearing 640, furthermore, is supported by a V-shaped clamp 642 connected for the rotary movement in the clamps 643, 644, to the superstructure 612. It should be noted that this assembly of the shock absorber 600 corresponds to that of Figures 12A-12C. The damper 600 of Figure 17, furthermore, can be employed as a direct replacement, of the damper 100 in Figure 5 of the 5,152,110 patent and wherein the clip 632 of Figure 17 could correspond to the clamp 94a 'in Figure 5. of that patent and that could then be connected to the link structure (link 110 and differential connection 112) and such elements related thereto. In addition, the rotating and sliding arrangement provided by the components 630-644 in Figure 17 could be replaced by the link 104 and the rotary connections connected to the piston rod 102 in Figure 5 of the referred patent. In those cases in which seismic disturbances are not expected to appreciably change the position of the center of gravity of the isolated mass (for example, plate 200) in relation to the basement insulation system, then the mechanical link and / or shock absorbers L-shaped with interconnection between them, the preceding modes can be omitted if, instead, only the dampers shown in Figure 17 can be used.; the dampers could be placed around the perimeter of the plate 200 and / or of the floor 5 in Figure 1, for example, in the pairs or ogonally related arrangements as discussed hereinabove. In addition, by appropriate adjustment of the valves 622, the isolated mass rotation could then be maintained within desirable limits. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the system of the invention is subject to many modifications and adaptations and, thus, intends that the appended claims encompass all such modifications and adaptations that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. the invention. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates. - The invention having been described as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (21)

1. CLAIMS 1. The stabilization system for protecting a structure having an associated foundation formed on the ground against the effects of seismic disturbances, the structure comprises at least one horizontally placed plate having first and second longitudinal edges and first and second lateral ends, the The stabilization system is characterized in that j comprises: a basement insulation system comprising a plurality of support columns fixed to the foundation arranged in a first row of a plurality of first support columns, longitudinally spaced apart and placed adjacent to the base. first longitudinal edge of the plate, and a second row with a second plurality of support columns, longitudinally spaced along and placed adjacent to the second longitudinal edge of the plate, the first and second plurality of support columns u are further arranged with with respect to opposite pairs in the lat address eral; pendulum support elements having corresponding upper ends connected to the plurality of support columns, respectively, and corresponding to the lower ends connected to the plate in the corresponding connection positions spaced along the adjacent longitudinal edges thereof to the corresponding support columns, the plurality of pendular support elements support the suspended plate of the respective support columns while providing a limited relative movement between the plate and the support columns, thus avoiding transmission, to the plate, the movement of the earth and the foundation resulting from a seismic disturbance; a damping system connected between the plate and the foundation comprising a plurality of hydraulic dampers arranged as first and second damping subsystems orthogonally related symmetrically placed in relation to the center of gravity of the plate and damping of the relative linear displacements, respectively - in the lateral and longitudinal directions, between the plate and the support columns and preventing the action of the forces tending to produce relative rotation between the plate and the plurality of support columns J; and a level verification system comprising a plurality of level verification detectors fixed to the plate in the plurality of respective verification positions, longitudinally spaced along the first and second longitudinal edges of the plate, respectively in the plurality of the connection positions of the corresponding pendular support elements, the detectors detect the different changes in the respective levels of the corresponding check positions of the plate l.
2. 2. A stabilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the first damping subsystem further comprises:? .? a first pair of first and second dampers, each of an L-shaped configuration, symmetrically connected to the plate in respective laterally central positions and longitudinally separated, and having respective first legs with first pistons '; corresponding ones extending in respective lateral directions towards the first and second longitudinal edges of the plate and connected by first and second mechanical connections corresponding to the foundation and having second legs -specific with corresponding second pistons or extending in longitudinal directions opposed to each other and mechanically interconnected, and a second pair of first and second dampers, each of an L-shaped configuration and having respective orimer and second legs with first and second 7. corresponding pistons, symmetrically connected to the plate in the respective laterally central positions and longitudinally separated, and in specular relation in relation to the first pair of first and second dampers, the first legs -species have the corresponding first pistons thereof connected by third and fourth mechanical connections corresponding to the foundation and the respective second legs having the corresponding second pistons thereof mechanically interconnected; and the second damping subsystem further comprises: a third pair of first and second dampers, each of a L-shaped configuration, symmetrically connected to the plate in first and second laterally spaced positions, respectively, respectively adjacent to the first and second longitudinal edges of the plate and in a first longitudinal common place, and having respective first legs with corresponding first pistons extending in opposite longitudinal directions and mechanically connected by fifth and sixth mechanical connections corresponding to the foundation and having respective second legs with corresponding second pistons extending in lateral directions opposite each other and mechanically interconnected, and a fourth pair of first and second dampers, each of an L-shaped configuration and having respective first and second legs with corresponding first and second pistons and symmetrically connected to the plate in third and fourth laterally separated positions, respective respectively adjacent to the first and second longitudinal edges of the plate and in a second longitudinal common place, in specular relation in relation to the third pair of first and second dampers, the first respective legs have the corresponding first pistons thereof connected by seventh and eighth mechanical connections corresponding to the foundation and the respective second legs have the corresponding second pistons thereof mechanically interconnected. 3. The structure stabilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that: each of the first to fourth mechanical connections to the foundation of the first damper subsystem comprises: a mounting or support, fixed to the foundation, extending in the longitudinal direction and having a bearing thereon which moves along the mounting or support axially in the longitudinal direction and which rotates about the axial longitudinal direction, and a mechanical link interconnecting the bearing and the first piston rod of the first leg of the first and second respective shock absorbers of each of the first and second pairs thereof; and each of the fifth through eighth mechanical connections to the foundation, of the second damping subsystem, comprises: a mounting or support, mounted to the foundation, extending in a lateral direction adjacent to the corresponding longitudinal edge of the plate having a bearing in place. it which moves along the mounting or support axially in the lateral direction and which rotates about the axial lateral direction, and a mechanical link interconnecting the bearing and the first piston rod of the first leg of the first and second shock absorbers respective of each of the third and fourth pairs thereof. 4. The structure stabilization system according to claim 3, characterized in that each of the first to eighth mechanical connections allows a degree of relative vertical displacement between the plate and the foundation determined in accordance with the maximum calculated relative vertical displacement resulting from a maximum expected seismic disturbance. 5. The structure stabilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the first damping subsystem allows a limited degree of relative and relative vertical movement, not impeded, between the plate and the foundation and a limited degree of relative lateral movement among them; "" the second damping subsystem allows a limited degree of vertical relative and relative lateral motion, not impeded, between the plate and the foundation and a limited degree of relative longitudinal motion damped therebetween; and a limited degree of longitudinal, vertical and lateral relative movements in each case is determined according to the expected maximum seismic force and the calculated response of the structure to the expected maximum seismic force. 6. The stabilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the pendular support elements comprises: a rod having upper and lower distal ends; a joint coupling element fixed to the corresponding connecting piston of the plate, the lower distal end of the associated rod is received in and frictionally engaged by the joint coupling element and produces frictional damping any relative movement therebetween, the Frictional damping between the pendulum support elements and the respective articulation coupling member produce the corresponding damping of relative movement between the plate and the support columns; and a fixed support of the upper ends of the associated support column and receiving through it the upper distal end of the associated rod, each upper distal end of each rod is threaded and maintained in position on the support by means of a threaded nut received in threaded coupling on it. 7. The stabilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that the level verification system further comprises: a plurality of fluid connection elements respectively located in the plurality of level verification positions; a fluid conduit interconnecting the plurality of fluid connection elements in series; a plurality of tubes respectively connected to plurality of fluid connection elements, each tube is oriented vertically and has a graduated scale eon; a liquid filling conduit and plurality of fluid connection elements and plurality of vertical tubes, respectively connected; a plurality of adjustable mounts or brackets attached to plate respectively in plurality of check positions, each level check detector is defined by a corresponding flow connection element supported by a respective adjustable assembly and with at least partially liquid filling. tube and communicating through fluid connection element associated with fluid conduit, each level sensing verifier is adjustable, by adjusting associated adjustable, relatively vertical mounting to plate to eby adjust liquid level in corresponding tubes to establish, at start, level condition of plate, a common vertical level of liquid in plurality of tubes of plurality of respective level check detectors; and a differential change in level of liquid in a tube relative to respective liquid levels in o tubes, of plurality of level verification detectors, to provide an indication of a differential change, detected at respective levels of plurality of plate verification positions.
3. 3. The stabilization system according to claim 7, characterized in that: each verification detector further comprises: a probe for detecting the level of the liquid surface inside the tube and producing a corresponding output indicative of the detection of the liquid level within the tube. 9. The stabilization system according to claim 5, characterized in that the verification detector further comprises: a probe for detecting the level of the liquid surface inside the tube and producing a corresponding output indicative of the detection of the liquid level inside the tube; and a graduated scale on each tube in relation to which the liquid level is measured, in response to the output. 10. The stabilization system according to claim 9, characterized in that: the liquid is mercury; the probe moves within the tube from a first displaced position a space from the level of the surface of the mercury inside it to a second position in electrical contact with the mercury; and the detection means further comprise an electrical circuit which interconnects the probe and the external mercury of the tube, and the space produced by the first position of the probe causes a normal open circuit condition of the electrical circuit and the electrical contact of the probe with the mercury in the second position of the probe completing the electrical circuit. 11. The stabilization system according to claim 9, characterized in that it also comprises an electrical source and an alarm connected in series with the space in the electrical circuit, completing the electrical circuit that activates the alarm from the electrical source. 12. The stabilization system according to claim 7, characterized in that the detection means further comprise: a micrometer, the micrometer has a body mounted and fixed relative to the tube and a moving micrometer probe inside the tube, selectively from a first position displaced from, to a second position in contact with, the level of the liquid surface inside the tube. 13. The stabilization system according to claim 10, characterized in that: the vertical tube receives inside it a conductive cylinder which floats on, and has a final surface which extends above the level of the surface of, J 0 mercury; and the micrometer probe moves towards and away from contact with the end surface of the conductive cylinder to derive a measurement of the level of the mercury surface inside the tube. - 14. The stabilization system according to claim 10, characterized in that: each vertical tube receives within it a corresponding float which floats on, and has a surface "Linear 0 which extends above the level of the surface of the mercury, the final surface defines an objective verified by the probe. 15. The compliance stabilization system with claim 14, characterized in that the probe comprises a proximity detector for detecting the level of the mercury surface inside the vertical tube. 16. The stabilization system according to claim 9, characterized in that: the liquid is mercury; each vertical tube receives within it a corresponding conductive cylinder which floats on, and has a final surface which extends above the level of the surface of the mercury; the probe moves between the tube from a first position displaced a space from the end surface of the conductive cylinder to a second position in electrical contact with the end surface of the conductive cylinder; and the detection means further comprise a circuit which interconnects the probe and the mercury externally of the two, the space in the first position in the probe causes a normal open-circuit electrical circuit condition and the second position of the probe in contact The electrical circuit with the final surface of the conductive cylinder completes the electrical circuit.17. The stabilization system according to claim 16, characterized in that it also comprises an electrical source and an alarm connected in series / c with the electrical circuit space, completing the electrical circuit that activates the alarm from the electrical source. 13. The stabilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: adjustable support elements respectively associated with a plurality of '.-Olumn sy and correspond to the upper ends of the respective pendular support elements and individually operable to use the level of the plate in the corresponding connection position of the lower end of the support column to the plate and therefore correct the different changes detected in the respective levels of the verification positions of the corresponding plate. 19. A stabilization system for protecting a structure having an associated foundation formed in the ground against the effects of seismic disturbances, the structure comprises at least one horizontally placed plate having first and second longitudinal edges and first and second lateral edges, the system The stabilization system is characterized in that it comprises: a basement insulation system comprising a plurality of support columns fixed to the foundation arranged in a first row of a first plurality of support columns, spaced longitudinally along and adjacent to: to the first longitudinal edge of the plate, and a second row of a second plurality of support columns, longitudinally spaced along and placed adjacent to the second longitudinal edge of the plate, the first and second pluralities of columns are further arranged in opposite pairs , respectively, in the lateral direction; the pendular support elements have corresponding upper ends connected to the plurality of supporting columns, respectively, and the corresponding lower ends connected to the plate in the corresponding connection positions spaced along the respective longitudinal edges thereof adjacent to the same. corresponding support columns, the plurality of pendular support elements support the suspended plate of the respective support columns while providing limited relative movement between the plate and the supporting columns, thus limiting the transmission, to the plate of the support. movement of the earth and the foundation resulting from a seismic disturbance; a damping system connected between the plate and the foundation, comprising a plurality of hydraulic dampers arranged as first and second related damping subsystems orthogonally placed symmetrically in relation to the center of gravity of the plate and dampening the relative linear displacements, respectively in the lateral and longitudinal directions, between the plate and the supporting columns and prevents the action of the forces tending to produce relative rotation between the plate and the plurality of supporting columns; and each hydraulic damper further comprises: a cylinder defining an axis extending in one of the respective lateral and longitudinal directions, a piston moving axially within the cylinder, and defining first and second sub-chambers therein of respective different volumes, according to the different axial positions of the piston inside the cylinder, first and second piston rods connected to the piston and extending in opposite axial directions from the piston through the first and second sub-chambers, respectively, and existing in sealed relation of the opposite ends of the cylinder, the first piston rod has a free end coupled to the foundation and the cylinder is coupled to the plate, the first and second cylinders connected at the first respective ends thereof to the corresponding first and second sabotabs and which have respective second ends, and a flow regulator that interconnects what s second ends of the first and second conduits and selectively regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid therethrough and, therefore, the level of damping provided by the damper. 20. The stabilization system according to claim 19, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of mounts or supports respectively associated with the plurality of dampers, each assembly is connected to the foundation and has an ee placed in a second direction, transverse to the ee of the first piston rod and receiving a first bearing therein, which moves axially, freely, in relation to the axis and to which the free end of the first piston rod is connected, for coupling the first piston rod to the foundation . 21. The stabilization system according to claim 20, characterized in that it comprises a rental bracket rotatably connected to the plate and having a free end that moves in a third direction, transverse both the ee of the first connecting rod piston as to the second direction, and a second bearing, secured on the free end of the mounting bracket received on the first piston rod which can move axially freely about, and in relation to the first piston rod.