Seismic game-changer: the multidirectional negative-stiffness isolation system

Researchers have developed a novel negative-stiffness isolation device that offers a pioneering solution for seismic protection. The device, designed to provide multidirectional negative stiffness and energy dissipation, adjusts the apparent stiffness of structures, effectively mitigating earthquake impacts. Advanced modeling and parametric studies confirm its potential to significantly enhance building stability and safety during seismic events.

Seismic isolation is crucial for safeguarding buildings from earthquake damage. While traditional systems are effective, they struggle with multidirectional forces and adequate damping. These challenges highlight the need for innovative solutions that provide enhanced protection against the complex dynamics of seismic activity. Addressing these issues necessitates in-depth research into advanced seismic isolation technologies.

A research team from Chongqing University and Sapienza University of Rome has introduced a cutting-edge negative-stiffness device for seismic isolation, detailed in a 2024 publication (DOI: 10.1002/msd2.12118) in the International Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics. The study examines the nonlinear response of this multidirectional negative-stiffness device, which modifies the apparent stiffness of supported structures, improving their resistance to seismic forces.

The innovative design of the negative-stiffness device enhances seismic protection by offering multidirectional negative stiffness and energy dissipation. It features a lower base, upper cap, connecting rod, vertical movable walls, and a precompressed elastic spring, integrated with circumferentially arranged ropes and inclined shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. This configuration reduces seismic forces by limiting the acceleration and forces transmitted to the superstructure. Using a two-step semirecursive multibody dynamic modeling approach, the research optimized the negative-stiffness device design through extensive parametric studies. Findings show that adjustments in rod length, wire inclination, and precompression force greatly impact performance, providing key insights for future seismic isolation applications. This negative-stiffness device represents a promising solution for enhancing the resilience of buildings in earthquake-prone areas.

Professor Giuseppe Quaranta, a lead author of the study, commented, "This negative-stiffness device marks a significant leap in seismic protection technology. Its ability to adapt to seismic forces offers a robust solution for safeguarding buildings in earthquake-prone regions, advancing our efforts toward resilient infrastructure."

This innovative negative-stiffness device shows great potential for seismic isolation in various structures, especially in high-seismic-risk areas. Its capacity to deliver multidirectional protection and enhanced damping without external power makes it a valuable addition to existing seismic safety strategies. Future research will focus on practical implementation and integration of this technology into current building designs to further improve earthquake resilience.

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References

DOI

10.1002/msd2.12118

Original Source URL

https://doi.org/10.1002/msd2.12118

Funding information

Dai Wei acknowledges the support of the China Scholarship Council (CSC) under Grant No. 202206050096. Biagio Carboni acknowledges the support received for his work through the project “Engineered basements for vibrations protection of artworks and strategic sensitive equipment” (Grant No. 2022TH5HC2) funded by European Union—Next Generation EU within the PRIN 2022 program, D.D. 104 of the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR). Giuseppe Quaranta acknowledges the support received for his work through the project “Artificial Intelligence for ENVIronmental impact minimization of SEismic Retrofitting of Structures (AI-ENVISERS)” (Grant No. P20227KKF5) funded by European Union—Next Generation EU within the PRIN 2022 PNRR program, D.D. 1409 of the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR). This research reflects only their views and opinions and the Ministry cannot be considered responsible for them. Walter Lacarbonara acknowledges the support of the RETURN Extended Partnership, funded by the European Union Next-GenerationEU (National Recovery and Resilience Plan—NRRP, Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.3—D.D. 1243 PE0000005).

About International Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics

International Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics (IJMSD) is an open-access journal that aims to systematically reveal the vital effect of mechanical system dynamics on the whole lifecycle of modern industrial equipment. The mechanical systems may vary in different scales and are integrated with electronic, electrical, optical, thermal, magnetic, acoustic, aero, fluidic systems, etc. The journal welcomes research and review articles on dynamics concerning advanced theory, modeling, computation, analysis, software, design, control, manufacturing, testing, and evaluation of general mechanical systems.