Citation
(2002), "EQE develops new RC analysis system to cut seismic design costs", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 11 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/dpm.2002.07311aab.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
EQE develops new RC analysis system to cut seismic design costs
EQE develops new RC analysis system to cut seismic design costs
EQE International, claimed to be one of the world's leading technology-based risk-management consultancies, has created a radical new non-linear-analysis tool for reinforced concrete structures that is expected to cut the cost of preventing new or existing structures from collapsing during earthquakes.
According to EQE structural engineer Barbara Borzi: "Seismic design codes such as Eurocode 8 generally require structures to remain standing after an earthquake to avoid loss of life. Most structures start to behave inelastically before collapsing but, for reinforced concrete (RC), this phase is difficult to analyse using commercially available software."
EQE has thus developed and tested a revolutionary new application that accurately analyses the behaviour of reinforced structures from their static state through to collapse – one of the most common ways of assessing integrity and reliability. The system models inelastic behaviour by means of a moment-curvature relationship for each RC section, thus minimising the computational effort required. It has been extensively validated against a sophisticated finite-element analysis programme as well as against experimental results. Refinements are currently being made to the system to enable it to provide more detailed analysis of dynamic behaviour, which is being achieved by considering the inelastic behaviour of the concrete and reinforcing steel separately.
EQE has extensive experience worldwide of analysing damage from earthquakes and designing seismic retrofits, particularly following the 1999 event in Turkey. Clients for this type of work include pharmaceutical, telecommunications and manufacturing companies.
For further information contact: Simon Thurlbeck/Barbara Borzi. Tel: +44 (0)19 2528 7300.
(News release, 25 October, 2001)