By Dr Troy Coyle, CEO, HERA
After pandemic delays we can finally provide an update on the progress of the ROBUST building systems (RObust BUilding SysTems) project, a landmark international collaboration that aims to significantly elevate earthquake resilience in building design. In a major stride forward for our industry, testing recently commenced on these innovative systems at the International Laboratory for Earthquake Engineering in Shanghai.
The test program, which has already gained international attention and delivered results, promotes synergy between HERA, the HERA Foundation, and nine other sponsors and partners in Aotearoa New Zealand and China.
The project’s foundation lies in the rigorous research and development of friction-based structural connections, an area where New Zealand has historically been at the forefront. Building on Professor Charles Clifton’s pioneering work in Aotearoa, the latest testing examines the performance of nine different building configurations, each utilising unique friction connection types – the results of which have important implications for the future of structural engineering in New Zealand and beyond.
The three-storey test structures, each nine metres tall, have been tested on large multidirectional shaking tables at the Jiading Campus of Tongji University in Shanghai to understand their responsiveness in seismic events. The first five seismic resisting configurations have already performed well when subject to earthquake shaking more than 25% greater than the Wellington ultimate limit state design earthquake intensity.
These structures incorporate various frictional connections, such as the Resilient Slip Friction Joint (RSFJ) and asymmetric friction connections, which have proved their efficacy, hinting at their potential for standard use in earthquake-prone areas.
The ROBUST project is a prime example of collaborative innovation, supported by EQC Toka Tū Ake and various research entities across New Zealand, including the University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, Auckland University of Technology, QuakeCoRe, and the Building Innovation Partnership.
The project has validated the sliding hinge connections, a feat made possible due to access to one of the world’s largest shake tables at Tongji University. Their initial performance is a testament to the diligent work of New Zealand’s engineering community, including the valuable contributions from Dr Shahab Ramhormozian and Professor Greg MacRae.
The ROBUST project is proof of the quality of New Zealand engineering and the power of international collaboration to drive us toward solutions with global applicability and impact.
As we anticipate the imminent conclusion of this testing phase, we expect to share preliminary results on behalf of the research team in the coming weeks. These initial findings will undoubtedly play an integral role in shaping the future of earthquake-safe construction.
Until then, I would like to again congratulate Greg MacRae, Liang-Jiu JIA (Chinese PI, Tongji University) and the full team including Charles Clifton (UoA), Rajesh Dhakal (UoC), Shahab Ramhormozian (AUT), Geoff Rodgers (UoC), Pierre Quenneville (UoA), and Ping Xiang (Tongji University), Zhenduo Yan (Project Manager, AUT), and many students and other collaborators for their work so far.
To find out more about the project visit our website, http://www.hera.org.nz, or get in touch with the team.
ABOUT AUTHOR: Dr Troy Coyle brings more than 20 years’ experience in innovation management across a range of industries including materials science, medical radiation physics, biotechnology, sustainable building products, renewable energy and steel. She is a scientist with a PhD (University of NSW) with training in journalism and communications.