Earthquake-Resilient Design: Seismic Isolators for Steel Structures and Concrete Buildings Training Course

Introduction

In earthquake-prone regions, the conventional approach to structural design often focuses on making buildings strong and stiff enough to resist seismic forces, which can lead to significant damage and costly repairs even if collapse is prevented. However, a more advanced and increasingly adopted strategy involves seismic isolation, a revolutionary technique that decouples the building from ground motion. This innovative method drastically reduces the forces transmitted to the structure, preserving its integrity, minimizing non-structural damage, and ensuring continued functionality after a major seismic event.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip civil engineers, structural designers, architects, construction professionals, and policymakers with the essential knowledge and practical tools to understand, design, and implement seismic isolators for both steel structures and concrete buildings. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of isolation principles, various isolator types, design methodologies, analytical techniques, and construction considerations, empowering them to contribute to the creation of truly earthquake-resilient and safe built environments.

Target Audience

  • Civil and Structural Engineers.
  • Architects and Architectural Designers.
  • Construction Project Managers and Contractors.
  • Building Owners and Developers in seismic zones.
  • Researchers and Academics in earthquake engineering.
  • Government Officials in building codes and regulations.
  • Risk Management Professionals in infrastructure.
  • Students and aspiring earthquake engineers.

Duration: 5 days

Course Objectives

  • Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:
  • Understand the fundamental concepts and principles of seismic isolation.
  • Grasp the various types of seismic isolators and their characteristics.
  • Analyze the dynamic behavior of isolated structures under seismic loading.
  • Comprehend methodologies for designing seismic isolation systems for steel structures.
  • Evaluate different approaches to implementing seismic isolation in concrete buildings.
  • Develop practical skills in performing preliminary analysis of isolated structures.
  • Navigate the complexities of relevant building codes and design standards for isolation.
  • Formulate robust strategies for quality control and installation of isolators.
  • Understand the role of advanced analytical tools in seismic isolation design.
  • Champion a performance-based design approach for earthquake resilience.

Course Content

1. Foundations of Seismic Isolation

  • Understanding earthquake effects on structures.
  • Limitations of conventional seismic design.
  • Defining seismic isolation and its objectives.
  • Principles of decoupling structures from ground motion.
  • Benefits of seismic isolation: reduced damage, enhanced safety, functionality.

2. Types of Seismic Isolators

  • Lead Rubber Bearings (LRB): components, behavior, applications.
  • High Damping Rubber Bearings (HDRB): properties and advantages.
  • Friction Pendulum System (FPS) isolators: mechanism and performance.
  • Other isolator types: roller bearings, spring systems.
  • Selection criteria for different isolator types.

3. Dynamic Behavior of Isolated Structures

  • Understanding the concept of natural period and damping.
  • Response of isolated structures to seismic excitations.
  • Force-displacement characteristics of isolators.
  • P-delta effects and stability considerations in isolated systems.
  • Influence of superstructure flexibility on isolator performance.

4. Design Principles for Seismic Isolation

  • Performance-based seismic design concepts.
  • Design philosophy for isolated structures.
  • Determining design displacement and forces for isolators.
  • Iterative design process for optimal isolation system.
  • Integration of isolation system with foundation and superstructure.

5. Seismic Isolation for Steel Structures

  • Unique considerations for integrating isolators in steel framed buildings.
  • Connection details between steel columns and isolators.
  • Design of transfer beams and load paths for isolated steel structures.
  • Addressing buckling and stability of steel elements above isolators.
  • Case studies of isolated steel buildings.

6. Seismic Isolation for Concrete Buildings

  • Specific challenges and solutions for concrete structures.
  • Design of concrete pedestals and foundations for isolators.
  • Reinforcement detailing around isolator interfaces.
  • Construction sequence and temporary bracing for concrete isolated buildings.
  • Case studies of isolated concrete buildings.

7. Analysis of Isolated Structures

  • Equivalent linear analysis methods.
  • Non-linear time history analysis using earthquake records.
  • Response spectrum analysis for isolated systems.
  • Software tools for seismic analysis of isolated structures.
  • Interpreting analysis results for design verification.

8. Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Aspects

  • Overview of international building codes for seismic isolation (e.g., ASCE 7, Eurocode 8).
  • Specific requirements for isolator design and testing.
  • Permitting and approval processes for isolated buildings.
  • Quality assurance and control during manufacturing and installation.
  • Role of peer review in seismic isolation projects.

9. Construction and Installation of Isolators

  • Site preparation and foundation requirements for isolation.
  • Installation procedures for various isolator types.
  • Quality control during isolator manufacturing and delivery.
  • Post-installation inspection and maintenance considerations.
  • Challenges and best practices in construction of isolated buildings.

10. Advanced Topics and Future Trends

  • Retrofitting existing structures with seismic isolation.
  • Hybrid isolation systems combining different devices.
  • Smart isolators and adaptive control systems.
  • Performance monitoring of isolated structures post-earthquake.
  • Research and innovation in seismic isolation technology.
Earthquake-resilient Design: Seismic Isolators For Steel Structures And Concrete Buildings Training Course in Senegal
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