In a groundbreaking advancement for seismic safety, researchers have unveiled a smart deployable scissor lift brace designed to protect soft-story buildings during earthquakes. This innovative technology, developed by a team led by Vijayalaxmi Rangrej from the School of Property, Construction and Project Management at RMIT University in Melbourne, represents a significant leap forward in the quest to enhance structural integrity while maintaining the functionality of open first floors, often used for parking or retail.
Soft-story buildings, characterized by a weak ground level that lacks sufficient lateral stiffness, have historically been vulnerable during seismic events. The consequences can be catastrophic, as evidenced by numerous earthquakes that have caused extensive damage and loss of life. Rangrej emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue: “Earthquakes themselves do not cause casualties; it is the structural failures that result from them. Our aim is to provide a solution that not only protects lives but also preserves the architectural intent of these buildings.”
The scissor lift brace system is activated by signals from Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) systems, which can detect seismic activity within seconds. Upon receiving an alert, the brace deploys automatically, enhancing the building’s stiffness and stability during an earthquake. This dynamic response contrasts sharply with traditional retrofitting methods, which often involve permanent structural changes that compromise open spaces. Rangrej notes, “Our system allows buildings to remain functional and aesthetically pleasing while providing an essential safety upgrade.”
The potential commercial impact of this technology is profound. As cities continue to grow and evolve, the demand for flexible, open-space designs in urban architecture will only increase. The scissor lift brace could enable developers and architects to incorporate modern design principles without sacrificing safety. “This solution opens up new possibilities for construction in seismic-prone areas, allowing for innovative designs that do not compromise on safety,” Rangrej adds.
Proof-of-concept experiments have demonstrated that the scissor lift brace significantly reduces inter-story drifts during simulated earthquakes, enhancing the overall resilience of soft-story buildings. The research highlights a paradigm shift in retrofitting approaches, suggesting that smart, deployable technologies could become standard practice in the construction industry.
As the construction sector increasingly embraces smart technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT), the implications of this research extend beyond immediate safety benefits. By integrating such systems into building designs, developers could not only comply with safety regulations but also appeal to a market increasingly concerned with sustainability and resilience.
The findings are detailed in a recent article published in ‘Applied Sciences’, which underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions in earthquake-prone regions. As cities continue to grapple with the risks posed by natural disasters, the smart deployable scissor lift brace could very well pave the way for a new era in construction, where safety and design coexist harmoniously.
For more information about the research and its implications, you can visit the School of Property, Construction and Project Management at RMIT University.
