Mechanised structural systems are the future of seismic design

摘要

Mark Sarkisian, Director of Seismic and Structural Engineering at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) LLP writes on how pin-fuse systems, devised and developed by the firm, limit structural damage in major seismic events In regions of high seismicity, ensuring life safety in structures during and after a seismic event is an engineer's primary goal. Structures designed and built in regions of high seismicity must be designed for strength and provide enough resistance to protect life safety and avoid collapse. However, the economic viability of structures following the event is crucial to initial business investment decisions and long-term success. If structures were capable of resisting potentially destructive earthquake forces while altering their characteristics without permanent deformation, the structure would be not only safe, but also economically superior.