Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Means compensating earth-transmitted force – Relative motion means between a structure and its foundation
Patent
1990-10-12
1992-07-21
Ridgill, Jr., James L.
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Means compensating earth-transmitted force
Relative motion means between a structure and its foundation
52573, E04H 902
Patent
active
051311950
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to an earthquake-resistant insulator for buildings.
Earthquakes resistant insulators are designed to be interposed between the ground and erected buildings so as to allow these constructions to avoid the most violent effects of earthquakes.
2. Discussion of Background and Relevant Material
Earthquake-resistant apparatus that are presently known are of two different types. They are either based on a friction sliding possibility allowing limited movement or conceived from elastomer bases often hooped, whose distortion is put to use. Attention is directed to French Patent Nos. 2,625,763 and 2,601,716 by the same inventor. In these apparatus the movement of the building is not absorbed, and strong lateral movements can create extremely hard shocks that could cause breaking of the earth tremor apparatus or induce their characteristic to change over time. Logically, this would necessitate their periodic replacement. Moreover these known apparatus do not allow control of the amplitude of movements due to earth tremors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The apparatus according to the present invention gets rid of the drawbacks associated with conventional earthquake resistant insulators. Indeed, the apparatus according to the present invention allows absorption of both lateral and vertical movements that an earthquake creates, as well as control of the amplitude of these movements. Furthermore, they are made of extremely stable and durable materials which are strongly resistant to differences in temperature, microorganisms and chemical aggressions.
The present invention is constituted by the combination of two independent monoblock elements made of hard, rot resistant material, with high resistance to abrasion, with these elements being respectively interdependent to the infrastructure and the superstructure of the building. The lower element being is constituted by a horizontal friction plate, preferably circular, having at its center a truncated cone. The upper element is constituted of a circular cap with is concavity turned towards the lower elements, and covering the lower element so that the bottom of the concavity rests on the top of the truncated cone and the lower edges of the friction plate of the lower element. An annular space is provided between the lateral walls of the upper element and the truncated cone of the lower element allowing a relative lateral movement. Moreover, at least one absorbing collar made of a material that is also rot resistant and possessing high shock absorption characteristics is connected to the inside lateral wall of the upper element and/or of the lateral wall of the truncated cone of the lower element, and fills all or part of the annular space located between the two elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the annexed drawings, given by way of a nonlimiting example of one of the embodiments of the object of the invention:
FIGS. 1 and 2 show views in perspective of the separated upper and lower elements, respectively.
FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 represent cross sectional views of three embodiments of the assembled apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 comprises an upper element 1 in the form of a cylindrical cap having a flat bottom and a hollow part which is directed towards the bottom, dependent on the superstructure of the building, of a base or truncated cone 2 dependent on the carrying surface, and of one or two absorbing collars 3, 3' connected to the two elements 1, 2, and located in an annular space 4 between the lower truncated cone and the upper cap 1.
These two elements being separated, the upper element 1 is movable under the effect of a tremor, while the lower element is affixed on a foundation. An interconnecting space 4 separates these two elements, with the upper element 1 being movable in case of a tremor, and the lower element 2 remaining fixed. The lower element 2 comprises at its base a horizontal friction pla
REFERENCES:
patent: 4679761 (1987-07-01), Small
patent: 4727695 (1988-03-01), Kemeny
patent: 4942703 (1990-07-01), Nicolai
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