Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
Adaptation of metamaterials at micro- to nanometer scales to metastructures at much larger scales offers a new alternative for seismic isolation systems. These new isolation systems, known as periodic foundations, function both as a structural foundation to support gravitational weight of the superstructure and also as a seismic isolator to isolate the superstructure from incoming seismic waves. Here we describe the application of periodic foundations for the seismic protection of nuclear power plants, in particular small modular reactors (SMR). For this purpose, a large-scale shake table test on a one-dimensional (1D) periodic foundation supporting an SMR building model was conducted. The 1D periodic foundation was designed and fabricated using reinforced concrete and synthetic rubber (polyurethane) materials. The 1D periodic foundation structural system was tested under various input waves, which include white noise, stepped sine and seismic waves in the horizontal and vertical directions as well as in the torsional mode. The shake table test results show that the 1D periodic foundation can reduce the acceleration response (transmissibility) of the SMR building up to 90%. In addition, the periodic foundation-isolated structure also exhibited smaller displacement than the non-isolated SMR building. This study indicates that the challenge faced in developing metastructures can be overcome and the periodic foundations can be applied to isolating vibration response of engineering structures.
Highlights
Important structures such as hospital buildings, fire, rescue, and other emergency response facilities, in general, are designed to withstand large earthquakes with minor damage or an immediate occupancy performance level as regulated by FEMA 273.1 structures housing sensitive equipment such as nuclear power plants should experience very little vibrations and maintain the safety of the nuclear facilities
The current effective solution used to reduce the seismic demand on the structures is to equip them with seismic isolation systems,[2] such as rubber bearings and friction pendulum systems
The conventional isolation systems work by introducing low lateral stiffness devices at the base of the structure, lengthening the natural period of the structural system and reducing the input acceleration
Summary
Important structures such as hospital buildings, fire, rescue, and other emergency response facilities, in general, are designed to withstand large earthquakes with minor damage or an immediate occupancy performance level as regulated by FEMA 273.1 structures housing sensitive equipment such as nuclear power plants should experience very little vibrations and maintain the safety of the nuclear facilities Such high structural performance is often costly and difficult to achieve, especially in the high seismic regions. The conventional isolation systems work by introducing low lateral stiffness devices at the base of the structure, lengthening the natural period of the structural system and reducing the input acceleration . These conventional isolation systems are not without shortcoming. The conventional isolation systems are incapable of isolating vertical earthquakes
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
