Traditional building design methods have primarily focused on enhancing the connectivity between different components of a structure. While this approach is effective in redistributing loads and preventing complete collapses after small initial failures, it can pose a higher risk of progressive collapse following significant failures. Recent incidents, such as the collapses in Champlain Towers, Peñíscola in 2021, and the Iranian city of Abadan in 2022, highlight the critical need for a new design approach to address these limitations.
Introducing Fuse-Based Segmentation
A groundbreaking design method developed by the ICITECH-UPV team proposes a revolutionary solution to prevent catastrophic building collapses. The concept of a structural fuse is at the core of this innovative approach, allowing damaged parts of a building to be isolated and containing the impact of major failures within the structure. By implementing this method, the propagation of collapses can be effectively hindered, safeguarding the integrity of the rest of the building.
Enhancing Building Resilience
Jose M. Adam, along with co-authors Nirvan Makoond, Andri Setiawan, and Manuel Buitrago, emphasized the significance of the new design method in enhancing the resilience of buildings. Through a test conducted on a real-scale building, the effectiveness of the approach was validated, marking a significant milestone in combatting collapse propagation in the event of large initial failures. This innovative methodology offers a promising solution to prevent catastrophic collapses, ultimately contributing to the protection of human lives and reducing economic losses.
One of the key advantages of the fuse-based segmentation method is its cost-effectiveness. Makoond highlighted that the implementation of this approach would have minimal financial implications on the overall structure, as it utilizes conventional construction materials and techniques. This aspect makes it a practical and feasible solution for incorporating into new building projects without significantly impacting construction budgets.
The researchers at ICITECH-UPV are actively working on expanding the application of this innovative design method to buildings constructed with in-situ concrete and steel, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of the approach. As Buitrago concluded, the effectiveness of the new methodology has been proven through rigorous testing on a prefabricated concrete building, with ongoing efforts to further refine and extend its application across different construction materials.
The development of this new design method stands as a remarkable achievement within the framework of the Endure project. The successful validation of the approach through a world-first test on a full-scale building in June 2023 underscores the significant progress and potential impact of this innovative design solution. With all research conducted at the UPV by the dedicated team of authors, the future implications of this work are promising for revolutionizing building design practices worldwide.
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