Current Issue

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EARTHQUAKE DISASTER MITIGATION FOR TECHNOLOGIES OF VIBRATION ISOLATION, ABSORPTION AND EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANCE

Tse-Shan Hsu

Honorary President, Institute of Mitigation for Earthquake Shear Banding Disasters

Professor, Feng-Chia University, Taiwan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Kuang-Chi Liao

Architect, Liao Kuang-Chi Architects

Assistant Professor, Chienkuo Technology University, Taiwan

Abstract

Since Zhang Heng invented the wind seismograph in 132 AD, humanity has gained the ability to measure ground vibrations and has sought to reduce earthquake disasters through technologies such as vibration isolation, absorption, and earthquake-resistance. Seismic design specifications for buildings have continuously been fortified to enhance ground vibration resistance after major earthquakes. However, despite these increased fortification levels, the death toll in subsequent major earthquakes has remained high. This paper presents research findings that suggest the following: (1) The effectiveness of earthquake disaster reduction in buildings hinges on whether engineers can transform non-seismic-resistant conditions into seismic-resistant ones. (2) The actual function of technologies for vibration isolation, absorption, and earthquake-resistance is merely to increase the ground vibration resistance of buildings that already meet earthquake-resistant conditions, and therefore does not contribute significantly to earthquake disaster mitigation. Based on these conclusions, the authors recommend that seismic-resistant and non-seismic-resistant conditions of buildings be explicitly included in seismic design specifications. This approach would ensure the correct implementation of seismic reinforcement designs and greatly enhance the effectiveness of earthquake disaster mitigation.

Keywords: shear band, vibration isolation, vibration absorption, vibration resistance.