The seismic restraint SEISMOLINK represents an innovative solution for seismic retrofitting of vulnerable buildings. Its main function is the protection of non-structural elements (e.g., claddings, isolated pipes, ducts, electrical systems, and other suspended equipment) during an earthquake. The restraint is a tension component and was designed to be activated upon failure of the existing connections between structure and non-structural element, thus preventing the non-structural element from collapsing.
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The device guarantees additional protection that can effectively prevent human casualties, equipment damage, damage to stored products, or other direct and indirect losses.
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The SEISMOLINK consists of a synthetic fibre rope and special threaded end-terminations that enable quick and simple installation. Compared to traditional steel wire ropes, SEISMOLINK has high strength-to-weight ratio, moderate stiffness, and improved damping characteristics, what makes it a unique and unparallelled solution for resisting impact loads.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE
The SEISMOLINK was primarily designed to protect heavy cladding panels in precast industrial and commercial buildings. Past significant earthquakes demonstrated that the traditional cladding-to-structure connections do not possess sufficient strength or deformation capacity.
As a consequence, the upcoming generation of the European seismic codes – EUROCODES will be much more rigorous in this regard. The stricter demands mean that the designers and precast producers will need to provide new solutions for safe fixation of the claddings to the main structural elements.
The SEISMOLINK presents an effective back-up safety device, that prevents the collapse of heavy claddings in case of failure of the primary connections and follows the demands of the second generation of the EUROCODES.
INSTALLATION
STEP 1
Adhesive anchors are casted or post-installed into concrete parts.
STEP 2
Special adaptors are attached to the anchor.
STEP 3
The SEISMOLINK is attached to the adaptor.
TECHNICAL DATA AND DESIGN
The SEISMOLINK is currently available in three variations - R6, R8 and R10, which differ in breaking strength and size. The main mechanical properties of the SEISMOLINK presented in the table.
The values were obtained through extensive laboratory testing. Several monotonic and cyclic tests were performed. The values include the effect of of low-cycling fatigue.The design resistance of a single device should be determined as:
R
t,d
= R
t,k
/ gamma
R
where Rt,k is the characteristic breaking strength, and gammaR is the material safety factor which should be equal to 1.5.
The value of material safety factor is determined considering the analogy to provisions in EN 1993-1-11: 2006: Design of structures with tension components.
Technical manual SEISMOLINK PDF
Brochure SEISMOLINK PDF
DEVELOPMENT AND CERTIFICATION
The prototype of the seismic restraint SEISMOLINK was developed at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering, within the frame of European research project SAFECLADDING.
The technical adequacy of the restraint was confirmed by monotonic and cyclic tests performed both in the laboratory and in the industrial environment. The durability and reaction to fire tests were performed as well.
The restraint SEISMOLINK (patent pending) is a certified product. The Slovenian technical approvals (STS) is available, and the acquisition of the European Assessment Document (EAD), European Technical Assessment (ETA) and CE certificate is ongoing.
CONTACT
SPEKTRAL,
projektiranje, svetovanje in razvoj, d.o.o.
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Tehnološki park 19
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
Company number: 9034218000
VAT ID: SI86403460
Bank account: SI56 0201 3026 4023 343
T: +386 51 75 51 75
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