WO1991008363A1

WO1991008363A1 - Earthquake proof building structure in bridges, houses and the like

Info

Publication number: WO1991008363A1
Application number: PCT/SE1990/000761
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hanafi Ameur
Original assignee: Hanafi Ameur
Priority date: 1989-11-25
Filing date: 1990-11-22
Publication date: 1991-06-13
Also published as: SE8903983A; SE8903983D0; SE464256B; AU7896691A

Abstract

An earthquake proof building structure, preferably for bridges and houses, comprises at least one column (1; 6), one end of which is provided with a movably arranged ball joint (2; 7) which is well anchored in the bridge span (3) or the building foundation (8). The opposite end of the column is well anchored, cast (5) below the ground surface.

Description

Earthquake proof building structure in bridges. houses and the like

The present invention is concerned with earth- quake proof bridges, houses and the like.

Several attempts to construct earthquake proof bridges as well as earthquake proof houses have been made in the past. In these attempts, however, several essen¬ tial aspects of an earthquake have been overlooked. This resulted in attempts being made to anchor the bridges and even to anchor them extremely well the intention being that in this manner they would withstand the extraordi¬ nary stresses involved in an earthquake better than in the case of a less stable anchorage. To enable the struc- ture to withstand an earthquake, however, it is insuffi¬ cient to strengthen the anchorage, since in an earthquake the foundation structure and thereby also the entire building as such will be shaken and burst. Methods of suppressing the shaking have been proposed, but no propo- sal has been sufficient to provide a structure which is resistant to earthquakes.

The present invention removes the above-mention¬ ed disadvantages and is characterized in that bridges and houses are provided with a yieldable base which permits the base or foundation to be shaken in a manner such that the structure supported thereby, e.g. a superhighway or a house body, will not be broken.

The present invention will be described more in detail with reference to the following specification, figures and claims.

Figure 1 depicts an earthquake proof bridge. Figures 2 and 3 show an earthquake proof bridge after a violent earthquake.

Figure 4 shows an earthquake proof house. Figure 5 shows an earthquake proof house after a violent earthquake. Figure 6 shows the yieldable columns after an earthquake.

In figure 1 there is shown an earthquake proof bridge comprising cast columns 1 each provided with a ball-shaped or pivotable end 2 which is enclosed in a socket 3 anchored in the bridge span 4. In an earthquake each of the columns will be movable by itself, indipen- dently of the other columns. This is possible since each column has a pivotable end, spherical or the like, en- closed in a housing which is well anchored in the bridge span. The bridge span will not be broken in an earth¬ quake, since this will only result in the position of each column being shifted. Since the columns are Intact insofar as they are unbroken, the bridge span will not collapse but may need to be straightened. This is achiev¬ ed by erecting each column to its original position.

The columns may be interconnected by means of hydraulic arms arranged to be yieldable, but also in a manner enabling them to be drawn back to their original positions after an earthquake. This can be controlled by sensors or detectors adapted to detect any variation in the position of the columns and to indicate that they have been returned to their original positions.

By means of a building technique and a structure in accordance with the present invention it will be pos¬ sible to obtain a functionally reliable and simple res¬ toring and repair structure to remedy damage caused by an earthquake. A bridge span is restored by reanchoring its columns in their original positions. During this opera- tion the columns may need further strengthening in the nature of an additional anchorage or reinforcement. An earthquake proof bridge constructed in accordance with this method is per se dynamic as the columns may move without involving the bridge span in their movements. Another advantage is that the columns are -permitted to move flexibly following the vibrations and shakings of the earthquake. If the earthquake lifts the ground level with respect to one or several columns, thus creating differences in the levels between the columns, the column or columns will be able to take part in these movements without any breakage of the column or columns and conse¬ quently of the bridge span. Thus it should be evident that in an earthquake the columns may be shaken and dis¬ placed in various directions and angles relatively to each other without being destroyed by breaking. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate what will happen to the columns supporting a bridge span upon a powerful earthquake. They will be inclined in varying directions relatively to each other and to the ground level, so that it will be necessary to realign the bridge column and possibly also to reanchor them.

Figure 4 depicts an earthquake proof house. Earthquake proof buildings comprise a building foundation 9 connected to preferably four or more subjacent columns 6 each provided with a ball-shaped end or joint 7 or the like enclosed in a socket 8 which is well anchored in the building foundation 9. The opposite end 5 of the column is cast in the ground 10. In the same manner as in the preceding case, these solumns will be able to receive and adapt themselves to the shakings involved in the earth- quake without fracture of the house foundation and there¬ by of the body of the house. In this case, too, the con¬ sequence of an earthquake will be that the pivotable columns may have to be realigned to revert to their original positions and may also need additional strengthening.

Figur 5 shows an earthquake proof house with an earthquake detector D disposed at the columns. Of course, the space between the columns may also be utilized as a garage or the like. Figur 6 illustrates what will happen to the columns supporting a building body upon a powerful earthquake. The columns are inclined in different angles relatively to each other and to the ground level. After the quake the damage will be repaired by realigning the columns and, if needed, by reinforcing them in their original position.

The invention as such has several purposes and objects. One object of the invention is to enable new bridges to be built with yieldable columns which may move in a joint well anchored to the bridge span. Thereby the effect will be achieved that shaking will not break the columns under the pressure of the weight of the bridge span when loaded under an incorrect angle.. This results in the entire bridge span being dynamic and each column following the movements of the ground. The invention may also be applied to old bridges which can be rebuilt to become earthquake proof bridges. In this case they will be provided with new columns ha¬ ving earthquake proof joints anchored in sockets which are well anchored in the bridge span. As the bridge is provided with columns having earthquake proof joints, the initial rigid columns may be destroyed.

As regards various types of buildings in the nature of houses or the like, they may be rendered earth¬ quake proof in the same manner. One or more cast columns will be movably arranged in sockets well anchored in the building foundation in a manner such that all columns included therein may be moved individually from the ini¬ tial positions without involving fracture of the house or the columns. In a manner similar to that of the bridges the earthquake proof columns may be realigned to take up their initial position.

To improve the safety in the case of an earth¬ quake bridges as well as houses may be provided with a vibration detector. Preferably, it will be disposed close to the lower portion of a column, whereby it will set off an alarm as quickly as possible.

Claims

1. An earthquake proof building structure, preferably for bridges and houses, characterized in that it comprises at least one anchored column (1, 6) one end of which through a ball-shaped or similar joint coope¬ rates with a socket (3, 8) which is well anchored in the bridge span (4) or the building foundation, (9) , the opposite end of the column being well anchored below the ground surface.

2. An earthquake proof building structure accor¬ ding to claim 1 characterized by comprising an earthquake detector which is set in action by an earthquake.