Seismic design conceptual transfers

Abstract

This research paper documents an investigation into dynamic loading concepts in diverse fields that could potentially be transferred and transformed into seismic resisting systems for buildings. Presented in three sections, the first part of this paper gives a contextual overview of current seismic design methods. The central section examines concepts selected from such fields as car design and animal structure, and develops them into systems suitable for construction. This is followed by an evaluation and summary of the proposed ideas, in terms of structural behaviour, constructability, originality, future potential and architectural value. Although this exploration takes place at a conceptual level, it is intended to demonstrate the legitimacy of this method of investigation. The development of new concepts in earthquake technology may produce systems that - as well as mitigating seismic damage - do so in a way that is easier to construct, maintain and replace. There is the possibility that these ideas could prove useful to a field that can tend to focus on perfecting 'traditional' engineering and architectural methods. This report was conducted alongside - and informed - my final design project, which looks at wellington's relationship with its fault line location and post-earthquake recovery. These projects reflect my interest in seismic design: the development of systems that are accessible to communities of all economic and technological levels, and that allow the practice of architecture to investigate more convincingly the cultural and aesthetic potentials of earthquake architecture.