Earthquakes are the most devastating natural disaster in the world. As the saying goes, earthquakes don’t take your life, buildings do. For centuries, people have been researching how to avoid such disasters. Among them, warehouse as the main type of building, its earthquake resistance is extremely important.
Below, Xinguangzheng will introduce you in detail why steel should be chosen as the main material for warehouses. Meanwhile, why steel structure warehouse can effectively resist earthquake?
Table of Contents
Why are steel warehouses earthquake resistant?
With continuous ascending research, it has been found that choosing the right warehouse building materials can greatly improve the seismic performance of the building. And steel is by far the most widely used building material. Why is this? The reason is:
Steel is ductile and flexible
Steel is ductile and flexible, which are natural properties of steel. They are critical for buildings and structures in earthquake zones.
Firstly, the ductility of steel means that it is able to deform considerably under external forces without immediately breaking. This property allows steel to bend and change in response to seismic waves. It also absorbs seismic energy and mitigates the effects of earthquakes on metal warehouses.
Secondly, the flexibility of steel refers to its ability to return to its original shape after being stressed. This property allows the ground to vibrate and move violently during an earthquake without deforming and collapsing.
As opposed to traditional building materials such as masonry and concrete. Steel is able to withstand such shocks effectively. In addition, it is able to absorb seismic energy, reducing the risk of structural damage.
High strength-to-weight ratio of steel
Steel is known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It is seven times stronger than wood. Because of this, steel provides the necessary strength while avoiding the negative problems associated with excess weight. This is crucial for warehouse structures.
The reason for this is that steel’s high strength-to-weight ratio can cope well with the effects of seismic forces that occur when earthquakes occur. It also enhances the ability to resist ground movement. It avoids the problem of excessive shaking during earthquakes and the problem of building collapse due to inertia.
5 Tips for Enhancing the Seismic Resilience of Steel Warehouses
Structural Engineering Techniques
Ensuring the structural integrity of a warehouse is critical in building design. Steel cross bracing is widely used to ensure the stability of a building. It connects the frames of the building in an X-shape. This design increases the stiffness of the building. More importantly, it creates an effective energy transfer system.
When seismic waves strike a building, the X-shaped steel cross brace can disperse the seismic force and then transfer the force back to the ground through its special joints, rather than subjecting the building to direct impact, which greatly reduces damage to the building and improves its seismic resistance.
In addition, builders use additional vertical or shear walls to reinforce the walls of the building. These structures give the building a stronger frame. They also resist horizontal sway and movement well. The structural integrity of the building is greatly enhanced by these combined measures.
Damping Systems
For earthquake-prone areas, some steel warehouse buildings also have the option of installing damping systems. These damping systems can effectively absorb and dissipate earthquake energy, ensuring that the building is strong and stable.
Foundation Isolation
Foundation isolation technology provides another effective method of earthquake resistance. Seismic isolators place buildings on flexible pads made of materials such as steel, rubber and lead. These pads separate the building’s foundation from the ground. It is as if the building is ‘suspended’ above the ground. During an earthquake, these isolators vibrate and absorb seismic wave energy. This reduces the impact of earthquakes on the building, which greatly improves the building’s seismic performance.
Bracing and Shear Walls
Another way to increase the seismic resistance of a warehouse is to add bracing and shear walls. Depending on the structure of the building, strategic use of this method can make a warehouse building more resistant to earthquakes. Steel bracing resists the lateral forces generated by an earthquake, and it does so by making the building stronger and better supported. Concrete shear walls, on the other hand, transfer seismic forces and make the structure more stable.
Comply with local building codes
Adhering to building codes is essential. This is because in earthquake-prone areas, there are detailed regulations for the design, construction, and reinforcement of steel warehouses. Strict adherence to local building codes will make your building as earthquake-resistant as possible.
Although steel buildings are extremely earthquake resistant. It’s not absolutely safe, and no building is absolutely safe from earthquakes. Choosing this type of building simply maximises the earthquake resistance of your warehouse building.
Seismic Testing of PEMB
In 2010, four research institutes in the USA tested PEMB to its seismic limits.
In this test, the engineers increased the magnitude to 250 per cent of a conventional earthquake. And this strength merely caused the rafters of the steel building to deform. It was only when three times the magnitude was mentioned that cracks appeared in the steel frame, but it did not collapse.
Conclusion
Taken together, the data above shows that the seismic performance of steel structure is unquestionable. The structural performance of steel structure warehouse is extremely excellent and can effectively resist the impact of earthquake.
Xinguangzheng as a steel structure manufacturer in China. In addition to steel structure warehouses, we also provide design and construction services for commercial as well as industrial buildings such as hangars/office buildings/workshops. When planning a building, it is crucial to take into account the local weather conditions.
You don’t have to worry about this, as we have extensive design and construction experience in many countries around the world. We can advise you on the best design for your steel warehouse from the very beginning. We can ensure that your building will be able to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters.
FAQ
Steel has become ideal for earthquake-prone areas. This is mainly due to its high strength, good toughness, high plasticity, and uniformity. These characteristics make steel able to withstand the huge impact brought about by earthquakes and consume seismic energy through deformation, reducing the amplitude of vibration of the building and improving seismic performance. Therefore, in earthquake-prone areas, steel buildings are widely used to ensure the safety and stability of buildings.
Modern steel buildings are very different from older designs in terms of seismic resistance. First, modern steel buildings use better design and technologies. They can better withstand earthquakes. Steel structures are strong and stiff. They can disperse and absorb seismic energy well. This reduces earthquake damage to the building. Secondly, modern steel structure buildings adopt more strict design specifications and construction standards. The design and building of steel structures consider the impact of earthquakes. It takes steps to increase their seismic performance. Modern steel structure buildings are safer than old-fashioned ones. They are better at resisting earthquakes and protecting people’s lives and property.
Steel buildings are good in earthquakes, but they can’t withstand all sizes. Steel structure buildings use steel as the main structural material. Steel has excellent strength and toughness. It can withstand large loads during earthquakes. Steel buildings use rigid connections. They can spread and absorb seismic energy well. This reduces the risk of structural damage. Also, steel buildings can improve their seismic performance through good design and construction. For example, by adding seismic walls and damping devices. However, steel structure buildings also have certain limitations. Under extremely strong seismic conditions, damage may still occur. Also, earthquakes affect steel buildings. They are also hurt by factors such as design and construction. So, when designing and building steel structures, you must consider earthquakes. You must take measures to improve seismic performance. This ensures that the buildings are safe.