The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Central Power Research Institute tests earthquake-resistant structures

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Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Central Power Research Institute tests earthquake-resistant structures

M. Raghuram

BANGALORE: The Earthquake Engineering and Vibration Research Centre (EVRC) at the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) based here has tested concrete and steel structures for earthquake damages and has arrived at certain level of knowledge which might lead to India’s own earthquake-resistant housing model.

The software-driven testing protocol developed by EVRC can simulate the intensity of various earthquakes that have devastated various regions of the world in the past.

“The recordings on the Richter scale of these events can be transferred to the testing table to re-create the exact effect, there are models of various concrete structures housing the nuclear reactors like the Apsara at the Babha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) that could be given earthquake-proof treatment after determining the age of the structure and the probable damage the structure could undergo in the case of an earthquake,” says joint director of the EVRC R. Ramesh Babu. Various other vital components such as valves, switches other critical electrical equipment can be tested under “earthquake hazard situation” and ensure their functioning even in hazardous conditions.

These tests are intended to qualify the test samples regarding their seismic qualification requirements.

The EVRC has built a four storey structure in its campus and has subjected it to the “pushover test” using the simulated effect of earthquake movements using wire ropes and electrical winches.

The damage pattern recorded was similar to the one that would occur during the earthquakes.

This structure will be further studied by the researchers and will be reinforced with “modern binding materials”.

V. Srinivasa Murthy, engineering officer of the EVRC, says: “The model we are aiming at developing could lead to a design that will withstand the swaying motion of a real earthquake, which will prevent failure of critical components and minimise loss of life and property.”

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