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"When you consider the evolution of architecture, you will find it developed out of
a very simple, basic idea: security," reflects architect and LACC professor David
Ming-Li Lowe. "The history of home design grew out of a need for a safeguard
against danger"
A resident of Southern California for almost 35 years,
Lowe has long been aware that one of the greatest threats to homeowners
here is that of a devastating earthquake. But it was not until three years
ago, when he considered the problem as an architect, that Lowe began working
on a solution.
Two steel-frame townhouses that incorporate a revolutionary new design
technique are currently being built in West L.A. - Lowe says they will make houses
of the future virtually earthquake-proof. Each townhouse is built on a network of
earthquake bases. These structures do not rest, rather "float" on 17 low-
frequency, wide-displacement, elastic, isolated bases, each consisting of a series
of springs surrounding a central "visco-damper" core that supports the frame of
the house at key locations, each of which is computer-calculated for the precise
tributary load of that area. They are, in effect, shock absorbers, designed to
absorb the movement of even the most potentially dangerous earthquake.
"While this is innovative technology for Southern California, "Lowe points out, "it
has been in use for many years in Europe." When Lowe first began developing his
earthquake bases, he discovered that the Gerb Corporation of Essen, Germany has
been employing similar devices in the foundation of their generators and nuclear
plants for many years. Lowe joined forces with Gerb to adapt the design of the
bases to residential building, and then introduce the bases to the architectural
industry of Southern California.
"The trend in the architectural design of Southern California remains primarily
one of aesthetics, "says Lowe, " with little or no attention paid to the long-term
soundness of a structure's design and in particular to its ability to withstand the
shock waves of a severe earthquake. As an architect, naturally I am interested in
developing this new technology. I want the houses I build to last at least 100
years." - extracted from article by Steve Cerutti
Enclose are some more information about our activities - our contribution
for the World Conference on Structural Control in San Diego. The presentation
was held by Prof. Rakicevic of Skopje. The topic is about Base-Control
System (BCS) tests of 2004. Here
you can see how efficient our bases are working under different earthquake
condition.
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