Risk-based evaluation and optimization of friction devices for seismic retrofits of non-ductile building structures in Canada

Canada’s early-designed public buildings (i.e., schools and hospitals) are at significant risk of seismic damage and collapse. The installation of seismic protective devices, such as friction devices designed and manufactured by Quaketek Inc, offers a viable strategy to mitigate the seismic risk of building structures. However, the practical use of friction devices has commonly relied on prescriptive approaches that engage a small number of earthquake ground motions, which fall short of tackling several critical challenges. The proposed project aims to extend the performance-based earthquake engineering framework to evaluate, design, and optimize the friction devices for different types of public buildings in both east and west Canada. This project will structure the current use of this type of friction device as a valuable and cost-effective seismic retrofit solution that can better safeguard Canada’s public buildings against earthquake hazards.

Faculty Supervisor:

Yazhou Tim Xie

Student:

Partner:

Quaketek Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Construction; Manufacturing and Construction; Environmental Science and Technology

University:

McGill University

Program: