CONNECTING STRUCTURE WITH THREE-DIMENSIONAL SHOCK ABSORPTION AND ENERGY ABSORPTION BUFFERING

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411673263.9, titled "CONNECTING STRUCTURE WITH THREE-DIMENSIONAL SHOCK ABSORPTION AND ENERGY ABSORPTION BUFFERING", filed on November 21, 2024 with the China National Intellectual Property Administration, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of function-recoverable earthquake resistant structures, and in particular to a connecting structure with three-dimensional shock absorption and energy absorption buffering.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Existing design concepts for an earthquake-resistant building structure primarily include seismic resilience design, performance-based seismic design, seismic isolation and energy dissipation technologies, seismic design of non-structural members, and structural optimization design. The development and application of these design concepts aim to enhance the safety and functionality of the building structure under an earthquake action and to reduce losses caused by a seismic disaster.

[0004] Function-recoverable earthquake-resistant structural systems have become a research hotspot in the field of earthquake engineering in recent years. A design objective of the structural systems is to enable buildings to maintain an acceptable functional level during an earthquake, and to restore operational functions of the buildings after an earthquake without complicated repairs or with only minor repairs. The purpose is to improve the seismic resilience of urban buildings and infrastructure, thereby reducing the economic losses and social impacts caused by earthquake disasters.

[0005] A rocking self-centering structure, as a type of functional-recoverable earthquake-resistant structural system, can effectively control a residual displacement after an earthquake, ensuring both the structural functionality and safety. Due to the relatively small displacement, subsequent repair is simplified and construction is carried out more rapidly. Similarly, the shock absorption effect from the rocking mechanism lowers the structural ductility design requirements, saving construction costs. The rocking self-centering structure is applicable to various structural systems, such as a rocking bridge pier, a reinforced concrete frame structure, a steel frame structure, and a shear wall structure. With their structural characteristics, the application of the rocking self-centering structure offers significant economic and social values. Although the rocking self-centering structure exhibits remarkable advantages in terms of seismic performance and rapid post-earthquake recovery, the rocking self-centering structure still faces challenges and issues in practical applications. The design of the rocking self-centering structure requires consideration of multiple factors, including structural stability, strength, and symptom under different earthquake intensities, which increases design complexity. Additionally, to ensure self-centering after rocking, special materials and techniques, such as post-tensioned prestressing tendons, are usually needed, which may increase construction difficulty and costs. A connecting structure with three-dimensional shock absorption and energy absorption buffering is provided according to the present application to address the above issues.

SUMMARY

[0006] A connecting structure with three-dimensional shock absorption and energy absorption buffering is provided according to the present application, to reduce damage from a severe earthquake to a structure through a rocking mechanism. With the connecting structure, a structural residual deformation after an earthquake is reduced, facilitating rapid recovery of structural functionality.

[0007] To address the above-mentioned technical issues, the following technical solutions are provided according to the present application.

[0008] A connecting structure with three-dimensional shock absorption and energy absorption buffering is provided according to the present application. The connecting structure includes an upper structure, a lower foundation, and a connection layer between the upper structure and the lower foundation. The connecting structure is disposed in the connection layer and includes a rotational connecting device and vertical connecting devices. The rotational connecting device is disposed at a center of a bottom surface of the upper structure, with a top portion of the rotational connecting device being connected to the upper structure, and a bottom portion of the rotational connecting device being disposed on the lower foundation. The vertical connecting devices are disposed around the rotational connecting device, with a top portion of each of the vertical connecting devices being connected to the upper structure, and a bottom portion of each of the vertical connecting devices being connected to the lower foundation.

[0009] The rotational connecting device is configured to enable the upper structure to swivel and limit the upper structure from a linear displacement in a horizontal direction, such as to allow the upper structure to perform a rigid body swiveling around the rotational connecting device.

[0010] The vertical connecting devices are configured not to restrain a horizontal lateral displacement of the upper structure and provide only tensile-compressive load-bearing capacity without providing shear bearing capacity in the horizontal direction.

[0011] Further, a horizontal lateral displacement caused by a rigid body swiveling of the upper structure is not less than 30% of an overall horizontal lateral displacement of the upper structure.

[0012] Further, in a case that the vertical tension-compression elastic support is disposed in an upper portion of the connection layer, the top portion of each of the vertical connecting devices is directly connected to the upper structure, and the bottom portion of each of the vertical connecting devices is connected to the bottom foundation via the pier column. In a case that the vertical tension-compression elastic support is disposed in a middle portion of the connection layer, the top portion of each of the vertical connecting devices is connected to the upper structure via the pier column, and the bottom portion of each of the vertical connecting devices is connected to the bottom foundation via another pier column. In a case that the vertical tension-compression elastic support is disposed in a lower portion of the connection layer, the top portion of each of the vertical connecting devices is connected to the upper structure via the pier column, and the bottom portion of each of the vertical connecting devices is directly connected to the bottom foundation.

[0013] Further, the rotational connecting device includes a rotation box and a rotation seat. The rotation box is disposed on the lower foundation. The rotation seat is disposed at the center of the bottom surface of the upper structure and is arranged in the rotation box, with the rotation seat being rotatable around an axis in the rotation box.

[0014] Further, the vertical connecting devices are uniformly spaced apart from each other in the connection layer and arranged in a pattern of a circle. The rotational connecting device is disposed at a center of the circle.

[0015] Further, the upper structure is of a cylindrical structure and includes a cylinder wall and a cylinder bottom. The top portion of the rotational connecting device and the top portion of each of the vertical connecting devices are connected to the cylinder bottom.

[0016] Further, the lower foundation includes a support platform and a support pile. The support platform is disposed on the ground through the support pile.

[0017] Further, a position-limiting device is disposed on the vertical tension-compression elastic support.

[0018] Further, the connecting structure with three-dimensional shock absorption and energy absorption buffering further includes energy-dissipation shock-absorption devices. The energy-dissipation shock-absorption devices are disposed in the connection layer, spaced apart from each other on the lower foundation, and connected to the upper structure.

[0019] In an embodiment, the vertical tension-compression elastic support is a helical tension-compression support, a disc spring support, a thick rubber support, and/or an air spring bearing.

[0020] The present application has the following beneficial effects.

[0021] During an earthquake, the upper structure is restricted by the rotational connecting device to only undergo a rigid body swiveling around the rotational connecting device, which further limits the upper structure to rock as a whole within a design-allowed range. Further, energy is absorbed and dispersed through deformation and energy dissipation of the vertical connecting devices to mitigate the impact of the earthquake on the upper structure. A combination of the above structure and device achieve objectives of earthquake resistance and shock absorption, effectively reducing damage and destruction to the upper structure under strong earthquakes. In addition, the connecting structure has a strong self-centering capability and is capable of effectively controlling a residual displacement of the connecting structure after the earthquake, preventing further damage to the upper structure and facilitating repair of the structure. With the earthquake resistant capability of the upper structure enhanced by the connecting structure, the seismic performance requirements on design of the upper structure are lowered, thereby offering economic benefits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an overall structure according to the present application;

[0023]FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a self-centering rocking state according to the present application;

[0024]FIG. 3 is a schematic top view showing a connection state of a connecting structure according to the present application;

[0025]FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a connecting structure according to the present application; and

[0026]FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a connection between an upper structure and a vertical connecting device according to the present application.

[0027] Reference numerals are listed as follows:

[0028]1 upper structure; 2 connecting structure; 21 rotational connecting device; 211 rotation box; 212 rotation seat; 22 vertical connecting device; 221 vertical tension-compression elastic support; 222 pier column; 3 lower foundation; 31 support platform; 32 support pile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The technical solutions according to the embodiments of the present application are described clearly and completely as follows in conjunction with the drawings in the specification. It is apparent that the embodiments described herein are only some of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the present application without any creative efforts fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0030] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or position relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", or the like is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, and only for the purpose of facilitating describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, which is constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to the present application.

[0031]As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and FIG. 3, a connecting structure with three-dimensional shock absorption and energy absorption buffering, applied to a cylindrical structure of a steel frame structure, is provided according to an embodiment of the present application, including an upper structure 1, a connection layer, and a lower foundation 3. The upper structure 1 may specifically be a large cylindrical storage facility such as a silo, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank, an oil storage tank, or a granary. The lower foundation 3 is a pile foundation configured as a mounting foundation of the upper structure 1 and the connection layer. The connection layer is located between the upper structure 1 and the lower foundation 3, and the connecting structure 2 is disposed in the connection layer. The connecting structure 2 includes a rotational connecting device 21 and vertical connecting devices 22. The rotational connecting device 21 is disposed at a center of a bottom surface of the upper structure 1. A top portion of the rotational connecting device 21 is connected to the upper structure 1, and a bottom portion of the rotational connecting device 21 is disposed on the lower foundation 3. The vertical connecting devices 22 are disposed around the rotational connecting device 21, with a top portion of each of the vertical connecting devices 22 being connected to the upper structure 1, and a bottom portion of each of the vertical connecting devices 22 being connected to the lower foundation 3.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the vertical connecting devices 22 are arranged in a pattern of a circle, and the rotational connecting device 21 is disposed at a center of the circle. During an earthquake, the vertical connecting devices 22 do not restrain a horizontal lateral displacement of the upper structure but provide only vertical tensile-compressive load-bearing capacity, without providing any shear bearing capacity in the horizontal direction. The rotational connecting device 21 restricts the upper structure 1, allowing only rotational displacement while limiting linear displacement of the upper structure in the horizontal direction. As a result, the upper structure 1 undergoes a rigid body swiveling around the rotational connecting device 21 under seismic forces, causing the upper structure to rock during a severe earthquake. Through the joint action of the rotational connecting device 21 and the vertical connecting devices 22, the upper structure 1 undergoes a rigid body swiveling around the rotational connecting device 21 during an earthquake, and the upper structure 1 is allowed to rock as a whole within a design-allowed range. Energy is absorbed and dispersed through deformation of the vertical connecting devices 22 and an energy dissipation device, thereby reducing seismic damage and destruction to the upper structure 1 during an earthquake. Furthermore, the upper structure 1 after rocking is able to stably self-center, effectively controlling a residual displacement of the upper structure 1 after the earthquake, preventing further increase in a displacement of the structure and reducing post-earthquake repair costs.

[0033] The connecting structure is applicable to a structure with a high stiffness. The structure with a high stiffness is required to be adapted to the deformation requirement under extreme load, to achieve the effect of earthquake resistance and shock absorption under the joint action of the rotational connecting device 21 and the vertical connecting devices 22. In addition, the structure with a high stiffness can reduce the dependence on the structural ductility design.

[0034] Further, under the restriction of the rotational connecting device 21 and the vertical connecting devices 22, when an earthquake occurs, a horizontal lateral displacement of the upper structure 1 caused by the rigid body swiveling displacement of the upper structure 1 under the action of the earthquake should be no less than 30% of an overall horizontal lateral displacement of the upper structure 1, to ensure that the upper structure 1 can rock for self-centering during an earthquake without an excessive displacement that may lead to collapse of the structure. In terms of making specific arrangements, a proportion for the horizontal lateral displacement is controlled between 30% and 80% based on the rotational connecting device 21 and the vertical connecting devices 22 to ensure both the seismic effect and structural stability.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, further, each of the vertical connecting devices 22 includes a vertical tension-compression elastic support 221 and a pier column 222. Different structural configurations are adopted based on the varying mounting positions of the vertical tension-compression elastic support 221. In a case that the vertical tension-compression elastic support 221 is disposed in an upper portion of the connection layer, a top portion of each of the vertical connecting devices 22 is directly connected to the upper structure 1, and a bottom portion of each of the vertical connecting devices 22 is connected to the bottom foundation 3 via the pier column 222. In a case that the vertical tension-compression elastic support 221 is disposed in a middle portion of the connection layer, the top portion of each of the vertical connecting devices 22 is connected to the upper structure 1 via the pier column 222, and the bottom portion of each of the vertical connecting devices 22 is connected to the bottom foundation 3 via another pier column 222. In a case that the vertical tension-compression elastic support 221 is disposed in a lower portion of the connection layer, the top portion of each of the vertical connecting devices 22 is connected to the upper structure 1 via the pier column 222, and the bottom portion of each of the vertical connecting devices 22 is directly connected to the bottom foundation 3. The vertical connecting devices 22 and the rotational connecting device 21 are disposed at an identical height.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, further, the rotational connecting device 21 includes a rotation box 211 and a rotation seat 211. The rotation box 212 is disposed on the lower foundation 3. The rotation seat 212 is disposed at the center of the bottom surface of the upper structure and is arranged in the rotation box 211. During an earthquake, the rotation seat 212, driven by the upper structure, rotate around an axis in the rotation box 211, and the upper structure 1 is restricted to a rigid body swiveling around the axis.

[0037] Further, the vertical connecting devices 22 are uniformly spaced apart from each other in the connection layer and are arranged in a pattern of a circle. The rotational connecting device 21 is disposed at a center of the circle.

[0038] Further, the vertical connecting devices 22 are arranged in a centrally symmetric manner to ensure that the vertical connecting devices 22 provide uniform and stable support.

[0039] Further, the upper structure 1 is of a cylindrical structure and includes a cylinder wall and a cylinder bottom. The top portion of the rotational connecting device 21 and the top portion of each of the vertical connecting devices 22 are connected to the cylinder bottom.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, further, the upper structure 1 is of a cylindrical steel frame structure or a cylindrical concrete structure. The stiffness of the cylindrical upper structure is improved by providing a support or increasing a cross-sectional dimension. For the upper structure 1 of the cylindrical steel frame structure, the upper structure 1 inherently has high stiffness. For the upper structure 1 of the cylindrical concrete structure, the stiffness of a side wall is improved by using a material such as steel or fiber-reinforced concrete, or by applying prestress, circumferential prestress or the like along a height direction inside the side wall.

[0041] Further, the upper structure 1 may be a conventional building structure including a column, a beam, a wall and the like, or a specific structure composed of vertical compression-bending members, such as a water tower, a signal tower, a power tower, an industrial building, or a military building.

[0042] Further, the lower foundation 3 includes a support platform 31 and a support pile 32. The support platform 31 is disposed on the ground through the support pile 32.

[0043] Further, a position-limiting device is disposed on the vertical tension-compression elastic support 221. By providing the position-limiting device, in a case that tensile deformation or compressive deformation of the vertical tension-compression elastic support 221 reaches a design limit, the tensile stiffness or compressive stiffness of the vertical tension-compression elastic support 221 significantly increases, respectively, thereby reducing the tensile or compressive deformation of the vertical tension-compression elastic support 221.

[0044] Further, the connecting structure 2 further includes energy-dissipation shock-absorption devices 4, which are disposed in the connection layer, spaced apart from each other on the lower foundation 3, and connected to the upper structure 1. The buffering and energy dissipation can be achieved through vertical tensile deformation and compressive deformation of the energy-dissipation shock-absorption devices 4.

[0045] In an embodiment, the energy-dissipation shock-absorption device 4 includes a viscous damper and a viscoelastic damper.

[0046] In an embodiment, the vertical tension-compression elastic support 221 is a helical tension-compression support, a disc spring support, a thick rubber support, and/or an air spring bearing. In construction, multiple supports of a same type or different types may be adopted in combination based on onsite operating conditions.

[0047] For those skilled in the art, it is obvious that the present application is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that the present application can be realized in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential features of the present application. Therefore, from any point of view, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-restrictive. The scope of the present application is defined by the appended claims rather than the above description. Thus, all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalent elements of the claims are intended to be included within the scope of the present application. Any reference numerals in the claims shall not be construed as a limitation of the protection scope of the present application.